Paging occasion reallocation of incapable user equipment

ABSTRACT

According to certain embodiments, a method performed by a wireless device for paging occasion (PO) allocation is provided. The method includes determining that a PO configured for the wireless device in a Discontinuous Reception (DRX) cycle is problematic. A non-problematic PO is selected based on one or more criteria. One or more paging messages are monitored for during the selected non-problematic PO.

PRIORITY

This nonprovisional application is a U.S. National Stage Filing under 35U.S.C. § 371 of International Patent Application Serial No.PCT/SE2019/050615 filed Jun. 26, 2019 and entitled “Paging OccasionReallocation of Incapable User Equipment” which claims priority to U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 62/716,808 filed Aug. 9, 2018 both ofwhich are hereby incorporated by reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

An important property of the coming 5G system (e.g., New Radio (NR)),which is relevant also in the context of the present disclosure, is theusage of high carrier frequencies (e.g., in the range 24.25-52.6Gigahertz (GHz)). For such high frequency spectrum, the atmospheric,penetration and diffraction attenuation properties can be much worsethan for lower frequency spectrum. In addition, the receiver antennaaperture, as a metric describing the effective receiver antenna areathat collects the electromagnetic energy from an incomingelectromagnetic wave, is inversely proportional to the frequency (i.e.,the link budget would be worse for the same link distance even in a freespace scenario, if omnidirectional receive and transmit antennas areused). This motivates the usage of beamforming to compensate for theloss of link budget in high frequency spectrum. This is particularlyimportant when communicating with user equipment (UEs) with poorreceivers (e.g., low cost/low complexity UEs). Other means for improvingthe link budget include repetition of the transmissions (e.g., to allowwide beam or omnidirectional transmission) or use of Single FrequencyNetwork (SFN) transmission from multiple Transmission/Reception Points(TRPs) in the same or different cells.

Due to the above-described properties, in the high frequency bands, manydownlink (DL) signals, such as synchronization signals, systeminformation (SI), and paging, which need to cover a certain area (i.e.,not just targeting a single UE with known location/direction), forexample, a cell, are expected to be transmitted using beam sweeping(i.e., transmitting the signal in one beam at a time, sequentiallychanging the direction and coverage area of the beam until the entireintended coverage area (e.g., the cell) has been covered by thetransmission).

The signals and channels in NR which correspond to the PrimarySynchronization Signal (PSS), Secondary Synchronization Signal (SSS),Cell Specific Reference Signal (CRS) and Physical Broadcast Chanel(PBCH) (which carries the Master Information Block (MIB) and layer 1generated bits) in Long Term Evolution (LTE) (i.e., PSS, SSS,Demodulation Reference Signal (DMRS) for PBCH and PBCH (sometimesreferred to as NR-PSS, NR-SSS, DMRS for NR-PBCH and NR-PBCH in NR)) areput together in an entity/structure denoted SS Block (SSB) or, withother terminology, SS/PBCH block (the term SS Block is typically used inRAN2 while RAN1 usually uses the term SS/PBCH block). Hence, SS Block,SSB and SS/PBCH block are three synonyms (although SSB is really anabbreviation of SS Block).

RAN1, RAN2, RAN3 and RAN4 are 3^(rd) Generation Partnership Project(3GPP) working groups, more formally referred to as TSG-RAN WG1, TSG-RANWG2, TSG-RAN WG3 and TSG-RAN WG4.

The PSS+SSS enables a UE to synchronize with the cell and also carriesinformation from which the Physical Cell Identity (PCI) can be derived.The PBCH part (including DMRS) of the SSB carries a part of the SIdenoted MIB or NR-MIB, 8 layer-one generated bits and the SSB indexwithin the SS Burst Set. In high frequencies, SS Blocks will betransmitted periodically using beam sweeping. Multiple such beamformedSS Block transmissions are grouped into an SS Burst Set whichconstitutes a full beam sweep of SS Block transmissions. When many beamsare used, longer gaps (e.g., 2 or 4 slots (where each slot contains 14OFDM symbols)) are be inserted into the beam sweep. This effectivelycreates groups of SS Block transmissions within the SS Burst Set, which,using an obsolete term, could be referred to as SS Bursts.

In NR, the SI is divided into the two main parts: “Minimum SI” (MSI) and“Other SI” (OSI). The MSI is always periodically broadcast, whereas theOSI may be periodically broadcast or may be available on-demand (anddifferent parts of the OSI may be treated differently). The MSI consistsof the MIB and System Information Block type 1 (SIB1), where SIB1 isalso referred to as Remaining Minimum System Information (RMSI) (theterm SIB1 is typically used by RAN2 while RAN1 usually uses the termRMSI). SIB1/RMSI is periodically broadcast using a Physical DownlinkControl Channel (PDCCH)/Physical Downlink Shared Channel (PDSCH)-likechannel structure (i.e., with a scheduling allocation transmitted on thePDCCH (or NR-PDCCH), allocating transmission resources on the PDSCH (orNR-PDSCH), where the actual RMSI is transmitted). The MIB containsinformation that allows a UE to find and decode RMSI/SIB1. Morespecifically, configuration parameters for the PDCCH utilized for theRMSI/SIB1 is provided in the MIB (when an associated RMSI/SIB1 exists),possibly complemented by parameters derived from the PCI. A further 3GPPagreement for Release 15 concerning RMSI transmission is that theRMSI/SIB1 transmissions should be spatially Quasi Co-Located (QCL) withthe SS Block transmissions. A consequence of the QCL property is thatthe PSS/SSS transmission can be relied on for accurate synchronizationto be used when receiving the PDCCH/PDSCH carrying the RMSI/SIB1.

Paging and OSI are also transmitted using the PDCCH+PDSCH principle withPDSCH DL scheduling allocation on the PDCCH and Paging message or SImessage on the PDSCH. An exception to this is that paging informationmay optionally be conveyed in the paging Downlink Control Information(DCI) on the PDCCH, thus skipping the Paging message on the PDSCH. ForRelease 15, this has been agreed to be used when paging is used fornotification of Earthquake and Tsunami Warning System (ETWS), CommercialMobile Alert System (CMAS), or SI update. For future releases, it ispossible that other paging cases may utilize this PDCCH onlytransmission mechanism. The configuration information for the PDCCH usedfor paging and the PDCCH used for OSI transmission is included in theRMSI/SIB1. For both paging and OSI, the same CORESET (i.e., the controlresource set for TypeO-PDCCH common search space) may be used as forRMSI/SIB1 if the UE is not provided by dedicated higher layer signalingwith a control resource set for TypeOA-PDCCH common search space (forOSI) or for Type2-PDCCH common search space (for paging). In theRMSI/SIB1 for a Primary Cell or in dedicated signaling for other servingcells (as specified in 3GPP TS 38.331), the search space (i.e., the timewindows and time repetition pattern) for paging is indicated in thepagingSearchSpace parameter while the OSI search space is indicated inthe searchSpaceOtherSystemInformation parameter (which corresponds tothe SearchSpace-OSI parameter in 3GPP TS 38.213). If the configurationinformation for the PDCCH for paging is not available in the RMSI/SIB1or dedicated signaling (i.e., if the pagingSearchSpace parameter is notpresent in the RMSI/SIB1 or not signaled via dedicated signaling), thenthe monitoring windows/monitoring occasions for the PDCCH (i.e.,essentially the search space) are the same as those configured forRMSI/SIB1.

Note that the pagingSearchSpace parameter contains a SearchSpaceId,which points out a set of parameters which constitute a PDCCH searchspace configuration. This complexity is henceforth overlooked herein andthe term pagingSearchSpace is henceforth used to refer to the set ofparameters that configure the PDCCH search space for paging.

Paging is an essential function in a mobile telecommunications system.It is used to let the network contact a UE while in RRC_IDLE orRRC_INACTIVE (as further explained below) state, primarily in order totransmit DL data to the UE, once the UE has responded to the page.Paging can also be used to inform UEs of updates of the SI in a cell. Itcan also be used for informing UEs of an ongoing public warning such asETWS or CMAS.

In LTE, a UE in RRC_IDLE state camps on a cell and, while camping,monitors the paging channel associated with that cell. The UE isconfigured to monitor repeatedly occurring paging occasions (POs) andmay reside in a Discontinuous Reception (DRX) sleep mode in between thePOs. When the UE is paged at such a PO, the paging is indicated on thePDCCH in the form of a DL scheduling allocation addressed to the PagingRadio Network Temporary Identifier (P-RNTI) (which is shared by allUEs). This DL scheduling allocation indicates the DL transmissionresources on the PDSCH, where the actual Paging message is transmitted.A UE in RRC_IDLE state, which receives a DL scheduling allocationaddressed to the P-RNTI at one of the UE's POs, receives and reads thePaging message from the allocated DL transmission resources to find outwhether the Paging message is intended for the UE. The UE(s) that is(are) subject to the paging is (are) indicated in the Paging messagethrough one or more UE paging identifiers (e.g., S-Temporary MobileSubscriber Identity (S-TMSI) or International Mobile Subscriber Identity(IMSI)), wherein each UE paging identifier is included in a pagingrecord. Up to 16 UEs may be addressed (i.e., there may be up to 16paging records in one Paging message).

Most of these paging principles and mechanisms are reused in NR.However, in NR a new state is introduced, denoted RRC_INACTIVE state,for which paging is also relevant. 3GPP has decided to specify a similarRRC_INACTIVE state for LTE, but this has not been done yet.

The purpose of introducing the RRC_INACTIVE state in addition to theRRC_IDLE state is to introduce a low-energy state with reduced signalingoverhead over the radio and network interfaces and improved UE accesslatency as well as UE energy consumption when the UE moves from anenergy saving state to a state designed for transmission and receptionof user data (i.e., RRC_CONNECTED state). In this state, the corenetwork still regards the UE as connected and thus the Radio AccessNetwork (RAN)-Core Network (CN) connection is kept active, while the RRCconnection between the gNodeB (gNB) and the UE is released. The UE's RANcontext is maintained in the anchor gNB and the RAN-CN connection ismaintained between the anchor gNB and the core network. In order toreduce radio interface signaling at connection establishment, thecontext information is kept active in the UE and in the anchor gNB,which enables the UE to resume the RRC connection when it is paged fromthe RAN or has uplink (UL) data or signaling to send. In this state, theUE can move around in a RAN Notification Area (RNA) without informingthe network of its whereabouts, but as soon as it leaves its configuredRNA, it informs the network. In NR, paging can thus be used for a UE ineither RRC_IDLE state or RRC_INACTIVE state. In RRC_IDLE state, thepaging is initiated by the CN, while paging of a UE in RRC_INACTIVEstate is initiated by the RAN (the anchor gNB).

A UE in RRC_INACTIVE state must be prepared to receive paging initiatedby either the RAN or the CN. Normally, paging of a UE in RRC_INACTIVEstate is initiated by the RAN, but in cases of state mismatch betweenthe UE and the CN, the CN may initiate paging of a UE that considersitself to be in RRC_INACTIVE state.

For CN initiated paging, the UE_ID used in the Paging message is the5G-S-TMSI in NR (replacing the S-TMSI that is used in LTE). The IMSI isused only in rare error cases where the 5G-S-TMSI is not available. ForRAN initiated paging, the UE_ID used in the Paging is the I-RNTI (whichis assigned by the anchor gNB). The same Paging message is used over theradio interface for both CN initiated and RAN initiated paging, so thetype of UE_ID is what informs the UE of whether the CN or the RANinitiated the page. The UE needs to know this since it is expected toact differently depending on which entity initiated the page. Inresponse to CN initiated paging (excluding ETWS/CMAS/SI updatenotification), the UE is expected to contact the network (through randomaccess) and request establishment of a new Radio Resource Control (RRC)connection (including a Non-Access Stratum (NAS) Service Requestmessage). In response to RAN initiated paging (excluding ETWS/CMAS/SIupdate notification), the UE is expected to contact the network (throughrandom access) and request to resume an existing (suspended) RRCconnection. Another difference between LTE and NR is that the maximumnumber of UE_IDs (i.e., paging records) that may be included in a Pagingmessage will be increased from 16 in LTE to 32 in NR.

As mentioned above, in NR, paging has to be transmitted usingbeamforming transmission on high carrier frequencies (e.g., multi-GHzfrequencies), especially on really high frequencies, such as frequenciesabove 20 GHz and hence beam sweeping has to be used to cover an entirecell with the page. To support beam sweeping of paging transmissions, aPO in NR can consist of multiple timeslots to accommodate all the pagingtransmissions of the beam sweep. This is configured in the SI.

A PO is thus a regularly recurring time window during which paging maybe transmitted. Different UEs can be allocated to different POs and a UEis expected to monitor the paging channel (i.e., the PDCCH configuredfor paging) during its allocated PO. A radio frame that contains one ormore PO(s) is denoted Paging Frame (PF).

In both LTE and NR, the time interval between two POs for a certain UEis governed by a paging DRX cycle (henceforth referred to as “DRXcycle”). In other words, there is one PO allocated to the UE during eachDRX cycle (the UE is aware of all POs, but “selects” one based on itsUE_ID). Unless the UE is configured with an extended DRX (eDRX) cycle,the DRX cycle a UE uses is the shortest of the default DRX cycle (alsoreferred to as the default paging cycle), which is announced in the SI(then denoted defaultPagingCycle), or a UE specific DRX cycle negotiatedwith the CN. For regular UEs (i.e., UEs that are not configured with anytype of eDRX cycle), the shortest of the default DRX cycle and theUE-specific DRX cycle (if available) is used. In NR, a UE can also beconfigured with a DRX cycle to be used in RRC_INACTIVE state. This DRXcycle is assigned to the UE when the UE is moved to RRC_INACTIVE state.

Within the DRX cycle, a UE calculates a PF and which out of possiblymultiple (1, 2 or 4 in LTE) PO(s) in the PF it should monitor based onits UE_ID. In LTE, IMSI mod 1024 is used for this calculation and thishas also been agreed for NR. However, due to security/privacy issuesrelated to the use of the IMSI for this purpose, it is possible that theagreement for NR will be changed and the IMSI will be replaced by the5G-S-TMSI in this formula.

In LTE the PFs for a UE are the radio frames with System Frame Numbers(SFNs) satisfying the following equation:SFN mod T=(T div N)*(UE_ID mod N)

Where:

-   -   T: DRX cycle (default or UE specific)    -   N: min(T, nB) (i.e., N is the number of PFs in a DRX cycle)    -   nB: 4T, 2T, T, T/2, T/4, T/8, T/16, T/32, T/64, T/128, T/256        (the number of POs in a DRX cycle)    -   UE_ID: IMSI mod 1024

The nB values T/64, T/128 and T/256 were added in Release 15 of LTE. Ithas been suggested to restrict the nB values to 4T, 2T, T, T/2, T/4, T/8and T/16 in NR Release 15, but lately it was agreed to remove the nBparameter from the PF/PO algorithm of NR and instead make the N and Nsparameters independently configurable in the SI.

The above formula will probably be reused in NR, possibly with somemodification. One proposed modification is to introduce an offset forshifting of PFs, which would result in the following slightly modifiedformula for PF calculation (with the definitions of T, N, nB and UE_IDunchanged):(SFN+PF_offset)mod T=(T div N)*(UE_ID mod N)

Within a PF, the PO(s) is/are configured/allocated based on a table inLTE, where the UE_ID determines which of the PO(s) a UE should monitor.In detail, this LTE algorithm is as described below.

The subframe, which constitutes a UE's PO within a PF, is determined bythe following table:

TABLE 1 PO (i.e. PO (i.e. PO (i.e. PO (i.e. subframe) subframe)subframe) subframe) Ns when i_s = 0 when i_s = 1 when i_s = 2 when i_s =3 1 9 N/A N/A N/A 2 4 9 N/A N/A 4 0 4 5 9

Where the parameters in the table above are:

-   -   Ns: max(1, nB/T) (i.e., Ns is the number of POs in a PF)    -   i_s: floor(UE_ID/N) mod Ns (i_s is an index pointing out a        certain UE's PO within a PF)

As can be understood from the above algorithm and table, i_s is an indexthat points out which of the PO(s) in a PF a UE should use, wherein thePO(s) are indexed (i.e., i_s has the range) from 0 to Ns-1. The tabledetermines the allocation of PO(s) to subframe(s) within a PF.

The above is, thus, the LTE algorithm for configuration of POs in a PF,which is also the baseline for NR. As explained further below, however,this algorithm is not fully suitable for NR and will not be reused inits entirety in NR.

In the context of this disclosure, it is also relevant to describe adifference in the time domain structure of L1 of the radio interfacebetween LTE and NR. While LTE always has the same structure, NR hasdifferent structures, because it comprises different so-callednumerologies (which essentially can be translated to differentsubcarrier spacings (SCSs) and consequent differences in the time domain(e.g., the length of an OFDM symbol)). In LTE, the L1 radio interfacetime domain structure consists of symbols, subframes and radio frames,where a 1 millisecond (ms) subframe consists of 14 symbols (12 ifextended cyclic prefix is used) and 10 subframes form a 10 ms radioframe. In NR, the concepts of subframes and radio frames are reused inthe sense that they represent the same time periods (i.e., 1 ms and 10ms, respectively), but their internal structures vary depending on thenumerology. For this reason, the additional term “slot” is introduced inNR, which is a time domain structure that always contains 14 symbols(for normal cyclic prefix), irrespective of the symbol length. (Notethat the choice of the term “slot” to refer to a set of 14 OrthogonalFrequency Division Multiplex (OFDM) symbols in NR is somewhatunfortunate, since the term “slot” also exists in LTE, although in LTEit refers to half a subframe (i.e., 0.5 ms containing 7 OFDM symbols (or6 OFDM symbols when extended cyclic prefix is used).) Hence, the numberof slots and symbols comprised in a subframe and a radio frame vary withthe numerology, but the number of symbols in a slot remains consistent.The numerologies and parameters are chosen such that a subframe alwayscontains an integer number of slots (i.e., no partial slots).

Returning to the PO allocation, the table-based configuration/allocationused in LTE cannot be readily reused in NR. In LTE, it was simple to mapa PO to a subframe and this could easily be done through the tablespecified for this purpose. In NR, however, a PO cannot simply be mappedto a subframe. In terms of transmission resources, a subframe is anunambiguous concept in LTE (with the only variation being normal orextended cyclic prefix). In NR, on the other hand, the transmissionresources (in terms of slots and hence OFDM symbols) vary with differentnumerologies (i.e., subcarrier spacings, SCSs). In addition, theduration required for a PO in NR is variable and depends on the numberof beams needed in a possible beam sweep for the PDCCH for paging incombination with the SCS and consequent symbol length. For thesereasons, the table-based PO configuration mechanism of LTE has beenreplaced by a mechanism based on the pagingSearchSpace in NR. The Ns andi_s parameters are retained, but they no longer point out subframes in aPF, but rather sets of PDCCH monitoring occasions (constituting PDCCHbeam sweeps) in a PF.

In NR, two main cases are distinguished: the so-called default case andthe non-default case. This refers to whether there is an explicitpagingSearchSpace parameter structure configured through the SI ordedicated signaling. If no such pagingSearchSpace parameter structure isavailable, a default allocation of the PO(s) within a PF is used. Thatis, in the default case, the PDCCH monitoring occasions corresponding tothe PO(s) within a PF are determined according to a default associationin relation to the SSB transmissions and these PDCCH monitoringoccasions are then the same as for the RMSI as defined in section 13 in3GPP TS 38.213. For the default case, there can be 1 or 2 PO(s) in a PF(i.e., Ns can be equal to 1 or 2). If there are 2 POs in the PF, thereis one PO in the first half frame (corresponding to i_s=0) and one PO inthe second half frame (corresponding to i_s=1).

For the non-default case (i.e., with the pagingSearchSpace explicitlyconfigured and the pagingSearchSpace parameter included in the RMSI/SIB1or dedicated signaling), a different approach is suggested inR2-1807689, “Reference Frame & PO Determination: Non DefaultAssociation”, contribution by Samsung to 3GPP TSG-RAN WG2 meeting #102in Busan, South Korea, May 21-25, 2018 (hereinafter R2-1807689). Here itis proposed (the essence of which is adopted in the text currentlyproposed for 3GPP TS 38.304) to utilize the pagingSearchSpace parameterstructure (i.e., the parameters pointed out by the SearchSpaceld of thepagingSearchSpace parameter) to define POs within a PF.

The pagingSearchSpace configures a time domain pattern for so-calledPDCCH monitoring occasions, at which a UE should monitor the PDCCH forpaging transmissions (i.e., a DCI with a Cyclic Redundancy Check (CRC)scrambled with the P-RNTI) in the Control Resource Set (CORESET)configured for paging, which is associated with the pagingSearchSpace.The pagingSearchSpace is one instance of the SearchSpace informationelement (IE) (as defined in 3GPP TS 38.331) and it contains thefollowing parameters that define the time domain pattern for the PDCCHmonitoring occasions:

-   -   monitoringSlotPeriodicityAndOffset. This parameter defines a        combination of periodicity and offset for slots containing PDCCH        monitoring occasions. The two “parts” will henceforth often be        referred to as the “monitoring slot periodicity” and the        “monitoring slot offset”. A slot containing one or more PDCCH        monitoring occasion(s) is denoted “monitoring slot”.    -   monitoringSymbolsWithinSlot. This parameter configures a pattern        of OFDM symbol(s) within a slot, where each indicated symbol is        the first symbol of a PDCCH monitoring occasion (i.e., the first        of a set of consecutive symbols in which the UE should monitor        the CORESET associated with the PDCCH for paging). The length of        each PDCCH monitoring occasion in terms of symbols is determined        by the length of the associated CORESET. That is, starting from        an OFDM symbol indicated by the monitoringSymbolsWithinSlot        parameter, a PDCCH monitoring occasion consists of a set of M        consecutive OFDM symbols, where M is equal to the duration (in        symbols) ofthe CORESET associated with the pagingSearchSpace.        (The duration of a CORSET (i.e., the CORESET's number of        consecutive symbols) is defined by the duration parameter in the        ControlResourceSet IE. Note that this duration parameter should        not be confused with the duration parameter in SearchSpace IE.        The duration parameter in the ControlResourceSet IE has the        range 1-3.)) The monitoringSymbolsWithinSlot parameter is a        bitmap (or bit string) where each bit corresponds to a symbol in        a slot. The most significant bit corresponds to the first symbol        in the slot. A bit set to 1 indicates that the corresponding        symbol is the first symbol of a PDCCH monitoring occasion. An        OFDM symbol in which the UE should monitor the CORESET        associated with the PDCCH for paging (i.e., an OFDM symbol        belonging to a PDCCH monitoring occasion) is denoted “monitoring        symbol.”        -   An alternative use and interpretation of the            monitoringSymbolsWithinSlot parameter is that it indicates            all symbols (i.e., sets the corresponding bits to one)            belonging to a PDCCH monitoring occasion (i.e., not just the            first symbol of the PDCCH monitoring occasion). With this            use and interpretation, each PDCCH monitoring occasion is            indicated in the monitoringSymbolsWithinSlot parameter by            setting the corresponding group of consecutive bits to 1,            wherein the number of set bits is the same as the length of            the CORESET associated with the PDCCH for paging.    -   duration. This parameter defines a number of consecutive slots        in which the monitoring symbol pattern of the        monitoringSymbolsWithinSlot parameter is repeated. The duration        parameter thus configures a group of monitoring slots (with the        same monitoring symbol pattern) starting at the slot defined by        the monitoring slot offset part of the        monitoringSlotPeriodicityAndOffset parameter. The group of        monitoring slots is repeated with the periodicity defined by the        monitoring slot periodicity part of the        monitoringSlotPeriodicityAndOffset parameter. For instance, if        the monitoring slot offset=0, the monitoring slot periodicity=4        and duration=2, then the UE applies the PDCCH monitoring symbol        pattern of the monitoringSymbolsWithinSlot parameter in slots 0,        1, 4, 5, 8, 9 . . . The slot numbering starts at the first slot        in the first radio frame in the SFN range (i.e., a radio frame        with SFN 0).

These parameters have the following Abstract Syntax Notation One (ASN.1)specifications in 3GPP TS 38.331:

-- ASN1START -- TAG-SEARCHSPACE-START SearchSpace ::= SEQUENCE {searchSpaceId SearchSpaceId, controlResourceSetId ControlResourceSetIdOPTIONAL, -- Cond SetupOnly monitoringSlotPeriodicityAndOffset CHOICE {sl1 NULL, sl2 INTEGER (0..1), sl4 INTEGER (0..3), sl5 INTEGER (0..4),sl8 INTEGER (0..7), sl10 INTEGER (0..9), sl16 INTEGER (0..15), sl20INTEGER (0..19), sl40 INTEGER (0..39), sl80 INTEGER (0..79), sl160INTEGER (0..159), sl320 INTEGER (0..319), sl640 INTEGER (0..639), sl1280INTEGER (0..1279), sl2560 INTEGER (0..2559) } OPTIONAL, --Cond Setupduration INTEGER (2..2559) OPTIONAL, -- Need RmonitoringSymbolsWithinSlot BIT STRING (SIZE (14)) OPTIONAL, -- CondSetup : : : } -- TAG-SEARCHSPACE-STOP -- ASN1STOP

Note that in previous versions of 3GPP TS 38.213, differentcorresponding parameter names were used. The pagingSearchSpace in 3GPPTS 38.331 corresponded to the paging-SearchSpace in 3GPP TS 38.213. ThemonitoringSlotPeriodicityAndOffset parameter in 3GPP TS 38.331corresponded to the Monitoring-periodicity-PDCCH-slot andMonitoring-offset-PDCCH-slot parameters in 3GPP TS 38.213 and themonitoringSymbolsWithinSlot parameter in 3GPP TS 38.331 corresponded tothe Monitoring-symbols-PDCCH-within-slot parameter in 3GPP TS 38.213. Inversion 15.2.0 of 3GPP TS 38.213, the parameter names used in 3GPP TS38.331 have been adopted.

The CORESET indicates the DL transmission resources a UE should monitorduring a PDCCH monitoring occasion. More specifically, a CORESETindicates a set ofPhysical Resource Blocks (PRBs) in the frequencydomain and 1-3 consecutive OFDM symbols in the time domain. The lengthof a PDCCH monitoring occasion is thus defined by the length (number ofOFDM symbols) of the CORESET. For instance, if the length of the CORESETis 3 symbols and the monitoringSymbolsWithinSlot parameter (which is abitmap) indicates the second symbol of a slot as the first symbol of aPDCCH monitoring occasion, then the UE should monitor the CORESET in thesecond, third and fourth symbol of the slot. Furthermore, as mentionedabove, each of those OFDM symbols is denoted “monitoring symbol” or“monitoring OFDM symbol” and a slot containing at least one monitoringsymbol is denoted “monitoring slot”. The CORESET associated with thePDCCH for paging is indicated by the controlResourceSetld parameter inthe above ASN.1 SearchSpace definition.

As noted above, there is an alternative use and interpretation of themonitoringSymbolsWithinSlot parameter. With the alternative use andinterpretation of the monitoringSymbolsWithinSlot parameter describedabove (i.e., that it indicates all symbols of each PDCCH monitoringoccasion), the UE may still depend on the length of the CORESET todetermine the duration of a PDCCH monitoring occasion. For instance, ifthe length of the CORESET is 3 symbols and themonitoringSymbolsWithinSlot parameter indicates that 6 consecutivesymbols belong to PDCCH monitoring occasions, then the UE can deducefrom the duration of the CORESET (i.e., 3 symbols in this example) thatthe 6 indicated consecutive symbols must consist of two groups of threeconsecutive symbols, wherein each of the two groups constitute a PDCCHmonitoring occasion in which the CORESET should be monitored.

Further details on the use of the search space parameters can be foundin 3GPP TS 38.213, where the following is stated in section 10.1 (inversion 15.1.0 of the specification):

-   -   “For search space set s in control resource set P, the UE        determines that a PDCCH monitoring occasion(s) exists in a slot        with number_n_(sf) ^(μ)[4, TS 38.211] in a frame with number        n_(f) if (n_(f)·N_(slot) ^(frame,μ)+n_(s,f) ^(μ)−o_(p,s))mod        k_(p,s)=0.”

In this formula, k_(p,s) is the monitoring slot periodicity, o_(p,s) isthe monitoring slot offset, and the other parameters are defined in 3GPPTS 38.211 as follows:

-   -   N_(slot) ^(frame,μ) Number of slots per frame for subcarrier        spacing configuration μ (see clause 4.3.2 in 3GPP TS 38.211)    -   n_(s,f) ^(μ) Slot number within a frame for subcarrier spacing        configuration μ (see clause 4.3.2 in 3GPP TS 38.211)    -   μ Subcarrier spacing configuration, Δf=2^(μ)·15 [kHz]

The proposal in R2-1807689 is that each paging beam transmission matchesone PDCCH monitoring occasion, as defined by the pagingSearchSpace andthat, assuming N_(bea)ms beams, the first N_(beams) PDCCH monitoringoccasions in the PF constitute the first PO in the PF, the subsequentN_(beams) PDCCH monitoring occasions in the PF constitute the second POin the PF, etc. This has then been modified (according to agreements atthe 3GPP TSG-RAN WG2 ad hoc 1807 meeting in Montreal in July 2018) toexclude PDCCH monitoring occasions that conflict with UL slots/symbols(in TDD operation). The remaining PDCCH monitoring occasions are called“useful paging PDCCH monitoring occasions” and the N_(beams) parameterwould then count useful paging PDCCH monitoring occasions rather thanall configured PDCCH monitoring occasions.

The proposal in R2-1807689 has to some extent been captured in thelikely to be agreed text related to paging in the current draft of 3GPPTS 38.304 for 3GPP Release 15. However, it has been modified by theagreements below (from the 3GPP TSG-RAN WG2 ad hoc 1807 meeting inMontreal in July 2018) with regards to the exact mapping between PDCCHmonitoring occasions and the beams of a PDCCH beam sweep. During the3GPP TSG-RAN WG2 ad hoc 1807 meeting, it was further agreed to removethe restriction that multiple POs per PF can be configured only when allradio frames are PFs. To this end, it was agreed that the nB parameterwould no longer be used and that Ns (which is the number of POs per PF)and N (which is the number of PFs in a paging DRX cycle) would beconfigurable independently of each other (as described with respect toagreement 3 below) and provided in the SI. The following is a list ofpaging related agreements from the 3GPP TSG-RAN WG2 ad hoc 1807 meetingin Montreal in July 2018:

Agreements:

-   -   0 Define a useful paging PDCCH monitoring occasion as a        monitoring occasion doesn't conflict with UL slots/symbols.    -   1 For non-default association, one PO comprises of ‘N’ useful        paging PDCCH monitoring occasion where ‘N’ is equal to number of        actual transmitted SSBs. RAN2 understanding is that the Kth        monitoring occasion in the PO is corresponded to the Kth        transmitted SSB.    -   2 For non-default association, (i_s+1)^(th) PO is a set of N        consecutive useful paging PDCCH monitoring occasions for paging        starting from the (i_s*N)^(th) PDCCH monitoring occasion. The        useful paging PDCCH monitoring occasions starting from 1st        useful paging PDCCH monitoring occasion for paging in the paging        frame are sequentially numbered from zero. For Further Study        (FFS) the necessity to introduce additional parameter to        indicate the first PDCCH monitoring occasion of each PO in a PF.    -   3 Support to configure Ns and N value instead of nB.

At the 3GPP TSG-RAN WG2 ad hoc 1807 meeting, it was also agreed toincrease the maximum number of UE_IDs (i.e., paging records) that can beincluded in a Paging message from 16 in LTE to 32 in NR.

The following is a copy of the current (expected to be agreed) text insection 7.1 “Discontinuous Reception for Paging” in 3GPP TS 38.304 (theabove agreements are captured although the term “useful paging PDCCHmonitoring occasion” is not used in the text):

-   -   The UE may use Discontinuous Reception (DRX) in RRC_IDLE and        RRC_INACTIVE state in order to reduce power consumption. The UE        monitors one paging occasion (PO) per DRX cycle. A PO is a set        of PDCCH monitoring occasions and can consist of multiple time        slots (e.g. subframe or OFDM symbol) where paging DCI can be        sent [4]. One Paging Frame (PF) is one Radio Frame and may        contain one or multiple PO(s) or starting point of a PO.    -   In multi-beam operations, the length of one PO is one period of        beam sweeping and the UE can assume that the same paging message        is repeated in all beams of the sweeping pattern and thus the        selection of the beam(s) for the reception of the paging message        is up to UE implementation. The paging message is same for both        RAN initiated paging and CN initiated paging.    -   The UE initiates RRC Connection Resume procedure upon receiving        RAN paging. If the UE receives a CN initiated paging in        RRC_INACTIVE state, the UE moves to RRC_IDLE and informs NAS.    -   PF, PO are determined by the following formulae:        -   SFN for the PF is determined by:            (SFN+PF_offset)mod T=(T div N)*(UE_ID mod N)    -   Index (i_s), indicating the start of a set of PDCCH monitoring        occasions for the paging DCI, is determined by:        i_s=floor(UE_ID/N)mod Ns    -   The PDCCH monitoring occasions for paging are determined        according to paging-SearchSpace if configured. Otherwise, the        PDCCH monitoring occasions for paging are determined according        to the default association (i.e. PDCCH monitoring occasions for        paging are same as for RMSI).    -   For default association, Ns is either 1 or 2. For Ns=1, there is        only one PO which starts in the PF. For Ns=2, PO is either in        the first half frame (i_s=0) or the second half frame (i_s=1) of        the PF.    -   For non-default association (i.e. when paging-SearchSpace is        used), the UE monitors the (i_s+1)^(th) PO where the first PO        starts in the PF. The PDCCH monitoring occasions for paging        which are not overlapping with UL symbols are sequentially        numbered from zero starting from the 1st PDCCH monitoring        occasion for paging in the PF. The (i_s+1)^(th) PO is a set of        ‘S’ consecutive PDCCH monitoring occasions for paging starting        from the (i_s*PDCCH monitoring occasion for paging where ‘S’ is        the number of actual transmitted SSBs determined according to        ssb-PositionsInBurst in SystemInformationBlock1. The K^(th)        PDCCH monitoring occasion for paging in the PO corresponds to        the K^(th) transmitted SSB.    -   The following parameters are used for the calculation of PF and        i_s above:        -   T: DRX cycle of the UE (T is determined by the shortest of            the UE specific DRX value, if configured by RRC or upper            layers, and a default DRX value broadcast in system            information. If UE specific DRX is not configured by upper            layers, the default value is applied)        -   N: number of total paging frames in T        -   Ns: number of POs for a PF        -   PF_offset: offset used for PF determination        -   UE_ID: IMSI mod 1024    -   Parameters N, Ns, PF_offset, and the length of default DRX Cycle        are signaled in SystemInformationBlock1.    -   If the UE has no IMSI, for instance when making an emergency        call without USIM, the UE shall use as default identity UE_ID=0        in the PF and i_s formulas above.    -   IMSI is given as sequence of digits of type Integer (0 . . . 9).        IMSI shall in the formulae above be interpreted as a decimal        integer number, where the first digit given in the sequence        represents the highest order digit. For example:        -   IMSI=12 (digit1=1, digit2=2)    -   In the calculations, this shall be interpreted as the decimal        integer “12”, not “1×16+2=18”.

There currently exist certain challenges. With the current PF/POalgorithm for the non-default case, PFs may or may not coincide with SSBframes (i.e., frames containing SS Burst Sets) and POs may or may notoverlap/coincide with SS Burst Sets. If SS Burst Sets are more frequentthan PFs, then either every PF will coincide with an SSB frame or no PFwill coincide with an SSB frame. On the other hand, if PFs are morefrequent than SS Burst Sets, then a mixture may occur where some PFscoincide with SSB frames and some do not. In the special case where allradio frames are PFs, such a mixture of PFs coinciding with SSB framesand PFs not coinciding with SSB frames cannot be avoided if the SS BurstSet periodicity is greater than 10 ms.

There will thus be scenarios where some PFs coincide with SSB frames andsome PFs do not. Consequently, some POs will overlap—partly or fully(e.g., coinciding)—with SS Burst Sets, while other POs do not.

The possibility to let a PO coincide with SS Burst Set and transmit thepaging transmissions (e.g., the PDCCH transmissions)frequency-multiplexed with the SSBs has been proposed as a feature withpotential benefits from both a UE perspective and a network perspective.When the gNB uses analog TX beamforming and can only transmit in onebeam direction at a time, transmitting paging transmissionsfrequency-multiplexed with SSBs is a way to efficiently utilize the DLtransmission resources (which otherwise risk being wasted, unless thenetwork opportunistically can schedule a DL transmission in the beamdirection of the SSB transmission). From the UE's perspective,frequency-multiplexing of SSBs and paging transmissions (e.g., PDCCHtransmissions (and/or PDSCH transmissions)) allows the UE to receive theSSB (e.g., to acquire/tune DL synchronization) and the pagingtransmission simultaneously, thus allowing shorter wake time for the UEthan if the SSB and the paging transmission have to be receivedseparately (i.e., separated in time).

However, frequency-multiplexing of POs with SS Burst Sets (and thusfrequency-multiplexing of paging transmissions (i.e., PDCCHtransmissions and/or PDSCH transmissions) with SSB transmissions) is notfavorable for all UEs. Some UEs will not be capable of receiving boththe SSB transmission and the potential paging (PDCCH and possible PDSCH)transmission simultaneously when they are frequency-multiplexed. Thisinability may be due to bandwidth restrictions (i.e., that the UE islimited to operation in such a narrow bandwidth that thefrequency-multiplexed SSB and paging transmission (PDCCH or PDSCHtransmission) combined exceed the maximum reception bandwidth of theUE). Another reason for the inability may be that the SSB and the pagingtransmission (PDCCH and/or PDSCH) use different SCS and the UE is notcapable of receiving data/transmissions with two (or more) differentSCSs simultaneously. A workaround in these cases could be that the UEfirst receives the SSB from the SS Burst Set preceding the PO and thenreceives the paging transmission without receiving the frequencymultiplexed SSB. This would, however, be suboptimal from a UE energyconsumption perspective since there is an overhead energy expenditureassociated with every wake-up from DRX sleep mode. In addition, if theUE is a simple, cheap device, its internal clock may not be stableenough to maintain valid synchronization long enough for reception ofthe paging transmission.

The above-described kind of problems may thus occur when a PO coincideswith or partly or fully overlaps an SS Burst Set. And note that since aUE may require a certain time to switch between bandwidth ranges and/orSCSs, a guard time (e.g., one OFDM symbol), may be required between theSS Burst Set and the PO (or vice versa).

There may also be other cases where a UE is not able to properly receivethe paging transmission (PDCCH and/or PDSCH) in the PO it is allocatedto. One such other case is when the time from the preceding SS Burst Setto the PO is so long that the UE is not able to maintain good enoughsynchronization for reception of the paging transmission during the PO.This is highly dependent on the stability of the UE internal clock andis, thus, UE dependent.

SUMMARY

Certain aspects of the present disclosure and their embodiments mayprovide solutions to these or other challenges. For example, accordingto certain embodiments, solution(s) are proposed to selectivelyreallocate user equipments (UEs) that are incapable of (satisfactorily)receiving the paging transmission in a paging occasion (PO) that hasbeen allocated to the UEs (by the regular UE-to-PO allocationalgorithm). These UEs are selectively reallocated to other POs for whichthe problem does not exist.

According to certain embodiments, a method performed by a wirelessdevice for PO allocation is provided. The method includes determiningthat a PO configured for the wireless device in a DiscontinuousReception (DRX) cycle is problematic. A problematic non-PO is selectedbased on one or more criteria. One or more paging messages are monitoredfor during the selected non-problematic PO.

According to certain embodiments, a wireless device for PO allocationincludes processing circuitry configured to determine that a POconfigured for the wireless device in a DRX cycle is problematic, selecta non-problematic PO based on one ormore criteria, and monitor for oneor more paging messages during the selected non-problematic PO.

According to certain embodiments, a method performed by a network nodefor PO allocation includes determining that a PO configured for thewireless device in a DRX cycle is problematic, selecting anon-problematic PO based on one or more criteria, and transmitting apaging message for the wireless device in the DRX cycle during theselected non-problematic PO.

According to certain embodiments, a network node for PO allocationincludes processing circuitry configured to determine that a POconfigured for the wireless device in a DRX cycle is problematic, selecta non-problematic PO based on one or more criteria, and transmit apaging message for the wireless device in the DRX cycle during theselected non-problematic PO.

Certain embodiments may provide one or more of the following technicaladvantage(s). As one example, in certain embodiments the proposedsolution advantageously allows UEs with restricted receptioncapabilities to coexist with more capable UEs, still allowing thenetwork to make the best use of DL transmission resources for paging andSSB transmission. As another example, in certain embodiments theproposed solution advantageously allows distribution of UEs to POswithin a DRX cycle as well (uniformly) as possible, given the restrictedcapabilities of some of the UEs.

Other advantages may be readily apparent to one having skill in the art.Certain embodiments may have none, some, or all of the recitedadvantages.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of the disclosed embodiments and theirfeatures and advantages, reference is now made to the followingdescription, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, inwhich:

FIG. 1 illustrates an example wireless network for paging occasion (PO)allocation, according to certain embodiments;

FIG. 2 illustrates an example network node PO allocation, according tocertain embodiments;

FIG. 3 illustrates an example wireless device PO allocation, accordingto certain embodiments;

FIG. 4 illustrate an example user equipment PO allocation, according tocertain embodiments;

FIG. 5 illustrates a virtualization environment in which functionsimplemented by some embodiments may be virtualized, according to certainembodiments;

FIG. 6 illustrates a telecommunication network connected via anintermediate network to a host computer, according to certainembodiments;

FIG. 7 illustrates a generalized block diagram of a host computercommunicating via a base station with a user equipment over a partiallywireless connection, according to certain embodiments;

FIG. 8 illustrates a method implemented in a communication system,according to one embodiment;

FIG. 9 illustrates another method implemented in a communication system,according to one embodiment;

FIG. 10 illustrates another method implemented in a communicationsystem, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 11 illustrates another method implemented in a communicationsystem, according to one embodiment;

FIG. 12 illustrates an example method by a wireless device POreallocation, according to certain embodiments;

FIG. 13 illustrates an exemplary virtual apparatus in a wireless networkfor PO reallocation, according to certain embodiments;

FIG. 14 illustrates an example method by a wireless device for POallocation, according to certain embodiments;

FIG. 15 illustrates an exemplary virtual apparatus in a wireless networkfor PO allocation, according to certain embodiments;

FIG. 16 illustrates an example method by a network node for POreallocation, according to certain embodiments;

FIG. 17 illustrates another exemplary virtual apparatus in a wirelessnetwork for PO reallocation, according to certain embodiments;

FIG. 18 illustrates another example method by a network node for POallocation, according to certain embodiments; and

FIG. 19 illustrates another exemplary virtual apparatus in a wirelessnetwork for PO allocation, according to certain embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Some of the embodiments contemplated herein will now be described morefully with reference to the accompanying drawings. Other embodiments,however, are contained within the scope of the subject matter disclosedherein, the disclosed subject matter should not be construed as limitedto only the embodiments set forth herein; rather, these embodiments areprovided by way of example to convey the scope of the subject matter tothose skilled in the art.

Generally, all terms used herein are to be interpreted according totheir ordinary meaning in the relevant technical field, unless adifferent meaning is clearly given and/or is implied from the context inwhich it is used. All references to a/an/the element, apparatus,component, means, step, etc. are to be interpreted openly as referringto at least one instance of the element, apparatus, component, means,step, etc., unless explicitly stated otherwise. The steps of any methodsdisclosed herein do not have to be performed in the exact orderdisclosed, unless a step is explicitly described as following orpreceding another step and/or where it is implicit that a step mustfollow or precede another step. Any feature of any of the embodimentsdisclosed herein may be applied to any other embodiment, whereverappropriate. Likewise, any advantage of any of the embodiments may applyto any other embodiments, and vice versa. Other objectives, features andadvantages of the enclosed embodiments will be apparent from thefollowing description.

According to certain embodiments, a solution is proposed to selectivelyreallocate UEs that are incapable of (satisfactorily) receiving thepaging transmission in a PO they have been allocated to (by the regularUE-to-PO allocation algorithm). In certain embodiments, these UEs areselectively reallocated to other POs for which the problem does notexist. To this end, an addition to the regular PF/PO configuration andUE-to-PO allocation algorithms is proposed to perform the selectivereallocation of (incapable) UEs. Since the application of this selectivereallocation depends on each UE's capabilities, the concernedcapabilities are signaled from the UE to the network (together withother UE capabilities), so that the UE and the network have the sameperception of the UE's PO allocation.

According to certain embodiments, an addition to the regular PF/POalgorithm and UE-to-PO allocation algorithm is proposed, introducing aselective reallocation of UEs lacking certain capabilities from POs theycannot monitor (i.e., POs in which they cannot satisfactorily receivepaging transmissions) to POs which are not associated with theseproblems.

According to certain embodiments, the UE and the network apply thealgorithm addition if the regular PF/PO configuration and UE-to-POallocation algorithms have allocated the UE to a PO which the UE cannotmonitor satisfactorily, due to the above-described problems. Such aUE-to-PO reallocation algorithm (or algorithm addition) could bedesigned in various ways. However, it would be preferable if theUE-to-PO reallocation algorithm adheres to the goal of the regularUE-to-PO allocation algorithm to distribute UEs uniformly to the POsavailable in a paging DRX cycle.

According to certain embodiments, the UEs that are subject to thispotential reallocation are selected based on their capabilities (orrather lack of capabilities). For example, a UE lacking a certaincapability, such as the ability to receive a paging transmission (PDCCHand/or PDSCH) frequency-multiplexed with an SSB transmission, may bereallocated to another PO, if the UE is unable to (satisfactorily)receive a paging transmission in the PO it is originally/initiallyallocated to (i.e., the PO it is allocated to according to the regularUE-to-PO allocation algorithm). The UE may be unable to (satisfactorily)receive a paging transmission in the PO it is originally/initiallyallocated to for a variety of reasons (e.g., because the PO overlapswith (e.g., is frequency-multiplexed with) an SS Burst Set). TheUE-to-PO reallocation algorithm preferably distributes the reallocatedUEs uniformly to other (e.g., non-problematic and/or non-cancelled) POsin the paging DRX cycle based on the UE_ID (where the UE_ID preferablyis the same UE_ID parameter that is used by the regular PF/PO algorithmand UE-to-PO allocation algorithm (i.e., IMSI mod 1024 or 5G-S-TMSI mod1024)).

In certain embodiments, to ensure agreement between the UE and thenetwork (e.g., gNB) about whether the UE should be reallocated toanother PO and if so, to which other PO, the relevant UE capabilityinformation is transferred from the UE to the network together withother UE capability information. That is, in certain embodiments thelegacy capability transfer mechanism is augmented with the capabilityinformation relevant for the selective reallocation decision andcalculation.

According to a particular embodiment, a method for UE-to-PO reallocationis disclosed. In certain embodiments, the method reallocates UEs fromPOs (to which they were allocated based on the regular UE-to-POallocation algorithm) in which they cannot satisfactorily monitor andreceive the paging transmissions, to POs which are not associated withany such problems. In certain embodiments, the method may comprise thefollowing steps:

-   -   Step 1: Remove the problematic POs (i.e., the POs which do not        allow the UE to satisfactorily receive the paging transmissions)        from the set of POs configured by the regular PF/PO algorithm,        so that a reduced set of P POs remain within a paging DRX cycle.    -   Step 2: Index the remaining P POs within a paging DRX cycle by        index i, where i=0, 1, . . . P−1. Note that P may be as small as        1, resulting in a single remaining PO indexed with i=0.    -   Step 3: A certain UE is reallocated to the one out of the        remaining P POs which satisfies i=UE_ID mod P. The parameter        UE_ID would preferably be the same as used in the regular PF/PO        algorithm (e.g., IMSI mod 1024 or 5G-S-TMSI mod 1024).

Other examples of possible UE-to-PO reallocation algorithms include:

-   -   Reallocate the concerned incapable UE from its originally        allocated (by the regular UE-to-PO allocation algorithm)        problematic PO to the first subsequent non-problematic PO. If no        non-problematic PO exists for the remainder of the paging DRX        cycle, the UE is reallocated to the first non-problematic PO of        the paging DRX cycle.    -   Reallocate the concerned incapable UE from its originally        allocated (by the regular UE-to-PO allocation algorithm)        problematic PO to the closest preceding non-problematic PO. If        no non-problematic PO exists prior to the concerned problematic        PO within the paging DRX cycle, the UE is reallocated to the        last non-problematic PO of the paging DRX cycle.    -   Use a hash algorithm to reallocate the concerned incapable UE        from its originally allocated (by the regular UE-to-PO        allocation algorithm) problematic PO to another        (non-problematic) PO within the DRX cycle, for example based on        an identifier associated with the UE (e.g., the UE_ID parameter        used in the regular PF/PO algorithm and UE-to-PO allocation        algorithm). For instance, by applying the hash algorithm on the        UE identifier, the algorithm outputs the index i of one of the        non-problematic POs, where the non-problematic POs in a paging        DRX cycle are indexed by i (where i=0, 1, . . . P−1).

It would also be possible to standardize multiple options and let eachnetwork operator choose which one to apply and indicate this in thesystem information.

If no non-problematic POs exist within a DRX cycle, such that a UE isable to receive the SSB and paging transmission separately (e.g.,because all POs are configured to coincide with (or partly or fullyoverlap) SS Burst Sets (e.g. using multiplexing pattern 2 or 3)), thereallocation of an incapable UE to a non-problematic PO may not bepossible. In such scenarios, in certain embodiments a UE incapable ofreceiving SSB and paging simultaneously uses a two-step procedure wherethe SSB is received in the SS Burst Set preceding the PO and the pagingtransmission is received in the PO without receiving the simultaneousSSB. This workaround requires that the UE be capable of maintainingvalid synchronization during the time from the acquisition of thesynchronization (i.e., the reception of the SSB) until the reception ofthe paging transmission (i.e., during the PO).

When a network node such as a gNB pages a UE, it is important that thegNB and the UE have the same perception of when the PO the UE monitors(and thus should be paged in) occurs. Normally, this is fully determinedby parameters provided in the SI in the cell combined with the UE_IDparameter (and any possible UE-specific DRX cycle parameter assigned tothe UE). Parameters broadcast in the SI are known by both the gNB (whichbroadcasts the parameters) and the UE (which receives the broadcast SI).The UE_ID parameter is inherently known by the UE and the CN providesthe UE_ID parameter to the gNB. The core network provides the UE_IDparameter across the NG interface in the Paging message, in the case ofCN-initiated paging and in the Initial Context Setup Request message, inthe case of RAN-initiated paging. The NG interface is the interfacebetween the NG-RAN and the 5GC (i.e., between the gNB and the Access andMobility Function (AMF)/User Plane Function (UPF)) where NG-RAN is the5G RAN and the 5GC is the 5G CN.

However, with the introduction of the solution proposed herein, a UE'sPO is not unambiguously determined by the above described parameters.The introduction of selective reallocation of UEs to other POs has to betaken into account. The fact that the reallocation is selective impliesthat the network (gNB) and the UE have to have the same perception of(i.e., they have to agree, or be synchronized on) whether the UE is a UEthat is reallocated. Furthermore, if the UE is reallocated, the network(gNB) has to know which POs the UE excludes when it determines the PO tobe reallocated to, so that the network (gNB) can perform the samereallocation calculation based on the UE_ID as the UE.

To ensure this agreement between the UE and the network (gNB), theselective reallocation is based on well-defined capabilities of the UE.There is a mechanism through which a UE transfers information about itscapabilities to the network. This is typically performed during theinitial registration procedure (referred to as Attach in EPS/LTE). Thecapability information is stored in the UE context in the CN and isretained as long as the UE remains registered in the network. When a UEcontext is established in the RAN (gNB), the capability information istransferred from the CN to the gNB. The capability information can alsobe updated at any time. This mechanism for UE capability transfer to thenetwork can be leveraged and extended to include the capabilityinformation of interest in the context of the embodiments disclosedherein. The relevant capability information concerns potential obstaclesfor a UE to (satisfactorily) receive the paging information in a certainPO. Examples of such capability information include whether the UE iscapable (or incapable) of receiving a paging transmission (PDCCH and/orPDSCH) frequency-multiplexed with an SSB transmission (and whether apossible incapability is due to bandwidth limitations or inability toreceive transmissions with different SCSs simultaneously) and for howlong the UE can maintain valid synchronization after acquiring it froman SSB transmission. Such information should thus be included in thecapability information transferred from the UE to the network, so thatthe network knows which PO(s) (if any) a UE has to avoid, so that the UEand the network can perform the same reallocation calculation.

Note that one of the examples of a problematic PO described above is aPO that is frequency-multiplexed with an SS Burst Set, or moregenerally, a PO which coincides with or partly overlaps with an SS BurstSet. The following is a non-exhaustive list of cases matching theseconditions:

-   -   The PO at least partly overlaps with an SS Burst Set in the time        domain.    -   The PO at least partly overlaps in time with the duration an SS        Burst Set would have had if all the possible SSB beams would        have been utilized, as given by the specified maximum number of        SSB beams in conjunction with the SCS in the concerned network        deployment. If all the allowed SSB beams are utilized, this        condition becomes the same as the one above.    -   There is not enough guard time between the PO and the closest SS        Burst Set. This guard time condition could be applied from the        end of the PO to the start of the first subsequent SS Burst Set        or from the end of the closest preceding SS Burst Set to the PO        or both. A possible guard time condition could be, for example,        one OFDM symbol. There could also be different guard times        before and after the PO. The guard time(s) could be configurable        in the SI or could be specified in the standard or could be an        inherent part of the capability indicated by the UE.    -   As above, but with the guard time condition set in relation to        the SS Burst Set duration as it would have been if all the        possible SSB beams would have been utilized, as given by the        specified maximum number of SSB beams in conjunction with the        SCS in the concerned network deployment. If all the allowed SSB        beams are utilized, this condition becomes the same as the one        above.    -   At least one of the PDCCH monitoring occasions of the PO at        least partly overlaps in time with an SSB transmission.    -   At least one of the PDCCH monitoring occasions of the PO        overlaps in time with a slot containing an SSB (i.e. one of the        slot(s) of the SS Burst Set). The three items about overlapping        or colliding slots, which seemingly contain somewhat redundant        information, are motivated by the fact that the paging PDCCH        transmissions may use different SCS and thus different slot        duration (albeit the same number of OFDM symbols per slot) than        the SSB transmissions.    -   At least one of the PDCCH monitoring occasions of the PO is        located in the same slot as at least one SSB transmission.    -   At least one of the PDCCH monitoring occasions of the PO is        located in a slot, which overlaps in time with a slot containing        at least one SSB transmission (i.e. one of the slot(s) of the SS        Burst Set).    -   At least one resource element (RE) for a PDCCH candidate of at        least one PDCCH monitoring occasion overlaps with respective at        least one resource element (RE) corresponding to an SSB        transmission.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example network for PO allocation, according tocertain embodiments. Although the subject matter described herein may beimplemented in any appropriate type of system using any suitablecomponents, the embodiments disclosed herein are described in relationto a wireless network, such as the example wireless network illustratedin FIG. 1 .

For simplicity, the wireless network of FIG. 1 only depicts network 106,network nodes 160 and 160 b, and WDs 110, 110 b, and 110 c. In practice,a wireless network may further include any additional elements suitableto support communication between wireless devices or between a wirelessdevice and another communication device, such as a landline telephone, aservice provider, or any other network node or end device. Of theillustrated components, network node 160 and wireless device (WD) 110are depicted with additional detail. The wireless network may providecommunication and other types of services to one or more wirelessdevices to facilitate the wireless devices' access to and/or use of theservices provided by, or via, the wireless network.

The wireless network may comprise and/or interface with any type ofcommunication, telecommunication, data, cellular, and/or radio networkor other similar type of system. In some embodiments, the wirelessnetwork may be configured to operate according to specific standards orother types of predefined rules or procedures. Thus, particularembodiments of the wireless network may implement communicationstandards, such as Global System for Mobile Communications (GSM),Universal Mobile Telecommunications System (UMTS), Long Term Evolution(LTE), and/or other suitable 2G, 3G, 4G, or 5G standards; wireless localarea network (WLAN) standards, such as the IEEE 802.11 standards; and/orany other appropriate wireless communication standard, such as theWorldwide Interoperability for Microwave Access (WiMax), Bluetooth,Z-Wave and/or ZigBee standards.

Network 106 may comprise one or more backhaul networks, core networks,IP networks, public switched telephone networks (PSTNs), packet datanetworks, optical networks, wide-area networks (WANs), local areanetworks (LANs), wireless local area networks (WLANs), wired networks,wireless networks, metropolitan area networks, and other networks toenable communication between devices.

Network node 160 and WD 110 comprise various components described inmore detail below. These components work together in order to providenetwork node and/or wireless device functionality, such as providingwireless connections in a wireless network. In different embodiments,the wireless network may comprise any number of wired or wirelessnetworks, network nodes, base stations, controllers, wireless devices,relay stations, and/or any other components or systems that mayfacilitate or participate in the communication of data and/or signalswhether via wired or wireless connections.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example network node for PO allocation, accordingto certain embodiments. As used herein, network node refers to equipmentcapable, configured, arranged and/or operable to communicate directly orindirectly with a wireless device and/or with other network nodes orequipment in the wireless network to enable and/or provide wirelessaccess to the wireless device and/or to perform other functions (e.g.,administration) in the wireless network. Examples of network nodesinclude, but are not limited to, access points (APs) (e.g., radio accesspoints), base stations (BSs) (e.g., radio base stations, Node Bs,evolved Node Bs (eNBs) and NR NodeBs (gNBs)). Base stations may becategorized based on the amount of coverage they provide (or, stateddifferently, their transmit power level) and may then also be referredto as femto base stations, pico base stations, micro base stations, ormacro base stations. A base station may be a relay node or a relay donornode controlling a relay. A network node may also include one or more(or all) parts of a distributed radio base station such as centralizeddigital units and/or remote radio units (RRUs), sometimes referred to asRemote Radio Heads (RRHs). Such remote radio units may or may not beintegrated with an antenna as an antenna integrated radio. Parts of adistributed radio base station may also be referred to as nodes in adistributed antenna system (DAS). Yet further examples of network nodesinclude multi-standard radio (MSR) equipment such as MSR BSs, networkcontrollers such as radio network controllers (RNCs) or base stationcontrollers (BSCs), base transceiver stations (BTSs), transmissionpoints, transmission nodes, multi-cell/multicast coordination entities(MCEs), core network nodes (e.g., MSCs, MMEs), O&M nodes, OSS nodes, SONnodes, positioning nodes (e.g., E-SMLCs), and/or MDTs. As anotherexample, a network node may be a virtual network node as described inmore detail below. More generally, however, network nodes may representany suitable device (or group of devices) capable, configured, arranged,and/or operable to enable and/or provide a wireless device with accessto the wireless network or to provide some service to a wireless devicethat has accessed the wireless network.

In FIG. 2 , network node 160 includes processing circuitry 170, devicereadable medium 180, interface 190, auxiliary equipment 184, powersource 186, power circuitry 187, and antenna 162. Although network node160 illustrated in the example wireless network of FIG. 2 may representa device that includes the illustrated combination of hardwarecomponents, other embodiments may comprise network nodes with differentcombinations of components. It is to be understood that a network nodecomprises any suitable combination of hardware and/or software needed toperform the tasks, features, functions and methods disclosed herein.Moreover, while the components of network node 160 are depicted assingle boxes located within a larger box, or nested within multipleboxes, in practice, a network node may comprise multiple differentphysical components that make up a single illustrated component (e.g.,device readable medium 180 may comprise multiple separate hard drives aswell as multiple RAM modules).

Similarly, network node 160 may be composed of multiple physicallyseparate components (e.g., a NodeB component and a RNC component, or aBTS component and a BSC component, etc.), which may each have their ownrespective components. In certain scenarios in which network node 160comprises multiple separate components (e.g., BTS and BSC components),one or more of the separate components may be shared among severalnetwork nodes. For example, a single RNC may control multiple NodeB's.In such a scenario, each unique NodeB and RNC pair, may in someinstances be considered a single separate network node. In someembodiments, network node 160 may be configured to support multipleradio access technologies (RATs). In such embodiments, some componentsmay be duplicated (e.g., separate device readable medium 180 for thedifferent RATs) and some components may be reused (e.g., the sameantenna 162 may be shared by the RATs). Network node 160 may alsoinclude multiple sets of the various illustrated components fordifferent wireless technologies integrated into network node 160, suchas, for example, GSM, WCDMA, LTE, NR, WiFi, or Bluetooth wirelesstechnologies. These wireless technologies may be integrated into thesame or different chip or set of chips and other components withinnetwork node 160.

Processing circuitry 170 is configured to perform any determining,calculating, or similar operations (e.g., certain obtaining operations)described herein as being provided by a network node. These operationsperformed by processing circuitry 170 may include processing informationobtained by processing circuitry 170 by, for example, converting theobtained information into other information, comparing the obtainedinformation or converted information to information stored in thenetwork node, and/or performing one or more operations based on theobtained information or converted information, and as a result of saidprocessing making a determination.

Processing circuitry 170 may comprise a combination of one or more of amicroprocessor, controller, microcontroller, central processing unit,digital signal processor, application-specific integrated circuit, fieldprogrammable gate array, or any other suitable computing device,resource, or combination of hardware, software and/or encoded logicoperable to provide, either alone or in conjunction with other networknode 160 components, such as device readable medium 180, network node160 functionality. For example, processing circuitry 170 may executeinstructions stored in device readable medium 180 or in memory withinprocessing circuitry 170. Such functionality may include providing anyof the various wireless features, functions, or benefits discussedherein. In some embodiments, processing circuitry 170 may include asystem on a chip (SOC).

In some embodiments, processing circuitry 170 may include one or more ofradio frequency (RF) transceiver circuitry 172 and baseband processingcircuitry 174. In some embodiments, radio frequency (RF) transceivercircuitry 172 and baseband processing circuitry 174 may be on separatechips (or sets of chips), boards, or units, such as radio units anddigital units. In alternative embodiments, part or all of RF transceivercircuitry 172 and baseband processing circuitry 174 may be on the samechip or set of chips, boards, or units

In certain embodiments, some or all of the functionality describedherein as being provided by a network node, base station, eNB or othersuch network device may be performed by processing circuitry 170executing instructions stored on device readable medium 180 or memorywithin processing circuitry 170. In alternative embodiments, some or allof the functionality may be provided by processing circuitry 170 withoutexecuting instructions stored on a separate or discrete device readablemedium, such as in a hard-wired manner. In any of those embodiments,whether executing instructions stored on a device readable storagemedium or not, processing circuitry 170 can be configured to perform thedescribed functionality. The benefits provided by such functionality arenot limited to processing circuitry 170 alone or to other components ofnetwork node 160, but are enjoyed by network node 160 as a whole, and/orby end users and the wireless network generally.

Device readable medium 180 may comprise any form of volatile ornon-volatile computer readable memory including, without limitation,persistent storage, solid-state memory, remotely mounted memory,magnetic media, optical media, random access memory (RAM), read-onlymemory (ROM), mass storage media (for example, a hard disk), removablestorage media (for example, a flash drive, a Compact Disk (CD) or aDigital Video Disk (DVD)), and/or any other volatile or non-volatile,non-transitory device readable and/or computer-executable memory devicesthat store information, data, and/or instructions that may be used byprocessing circuitry 170. Device readable medium 180 may store anysuitable instructions, data or information, including a computerprogram, software, an application including one or more of logic, rules,code, tables, etc. and/or other instructions capable of being executedby processing circuitry 170 and, utilized by network node 160. Devicereadable medium 180 may be used to store any calculations made byprocessing circuitry 170 and/or any data received via interface 190. Insome embodiments, processing circuitry 170 and device readable medium180 may be considered to be integrated.

Interface 190 is used in the wired or wireless communication ofsignalling and/or data between network node 160, network 106, and/or WDs110. As illustrated, interface 190 comprises port(s)/terminal(s) 194 tosend and receive data, for example to and from network 106 over a wiredconnection. Interface 190 also includes radio front end circuitry 192that may be coupled to, or in certain embodiments a part of, antenna162. Radio front end circuitry 192 comprises filters 198 and amplifiers196. Radio front end circuitry 192 may be connected to antenna 162 andprocessing circuitry 170. Radio front end circuitry may be configured tocondition signals communicated between antenna 162 and processingcircuitry 170. Radio front end circuitry 192 may receive digital datathat is to be sent out to other network nodes or WDs via a wirelessconnection. Radio front end circuitry 192 may convert the digital datainto a radio signal having the appropriate channel and bandwidthparameters using a combination of filters 198 and/or amplifiers 196. Theradio signal may then be transmitted via antenna 162. Similarly, whenreceiving data, antenna 162 may collect radio signals which are thenconverted into digital data by radio front end circuitry 192. Thedigital data may be passed to processing circuitry 170. In otherembodiments, the interface may comprise different components and/ordifferent combinations of components.

In certain alternative embodiments, network node 160 may not includeseparate radio front end circuitry 192, instead, processing circuitry170 may comprise radio front end circuitry and may be connected toantenna 162 without separate radio front end circuitry 192. Similarly,in some embodiments, all or some of RF transceiver circuitry 172 may beconsidered a part of interface 190. In still other embodiments,interface 190 may include one or more ports or terminals 194, radiofront end circuitry 192, and RF transceiver circuitry 172, as part of aradio unit (not shown), and interface 190 may communicate with basebandprocessing circuitry 174, which is part of a digital unit (not shown).

Antenna 162 may include one or more antennas, or antenna arrays,configured to send and/or receive wireless signals. Antenna 162 may becoupled to radio front end circuitry 190 and may be any type of antennacapable of transmitting and receiving data and/or signals wirelessly. Insome embodiments, antenna 162 may comprise one or more omni-directional,sector or panel antennas operable to transmit/receive radio signalsbetween, for example, 2 GHz and 66 GHz. An omni-directional antenna maybe used to transmit/receive radio signals in any direction, a sectorantenna may be used to transmit/receive radio signals from deviceswithin a particular area, and a panel antenna may be a line of sightantenna used to transmit/receive radio signals in a relatively straightline. In some instances, the use of more than one antenna may bereferred to as MIMO. In certain embodiments, antenna 162 may be separatefrom network node 160 and may be connectable to network node 160 throughan interface or port.

Antenna 162, interface 190, and/or processing circuitry 170 may beconfigured to perform any receiving operations and/or certain obtainingoperations described herein as being performed by a network node. Anyinformation, data and/or signals may be received from a wireless device,another network node and/or any other network equipment. Similarly,antenna 162, interface 190, and/or processing circuitry 170 may beconfigured to perform any transmitting operations described herein asbeing performed by a network node. Any information, data and/or signalsmay be transmitted to a wireless device, another network node and/or anyother network equipment.

Power circuitry 187 may comprise, or be coupled to, power managementcircuitry and is configured to supply the components of network node 160with power for performing the functionality described herein. Powercircuitry 187 may receive power from power source 186. Power source 186and/or power circuitry 187 may be configured to provide power to thevarious components of network node 160 in a form suitable for therespective components (e.g., at a voltage and current level needed foreach respective component). Power source 186 may either be included in,or external to, power circuitry 187 and/or network node 160. Forexample, network node 160 may be connectable to an external power source(e.g., an electricity outlet) via an input circuitry or interface suchas an electrical cable, whereby the external power source supplies powerto power circuitry 187. As a further example, power source 186 maycomprise a source of power in the form of a battery or battery packwhich is connected to, or integrated in, power circuitry 187. Thebattery may provide backup power should the external power source fail.Other types of power sources, such as photovoltaic devices, may also beused.

Alternative embodiments of network node 160 may include additionalcomponents beyond those shown in FIG. 2 that may be responsible forproviding certain aspects of the network node's functionality, includingany of the functionality described herein and/or any functionalitynecessary to support the subject matter described herein. For example,network node 160 may include user interface equipment to allow input ofinformation into network node 160 and to allow output of informationfrom network node 160. This may allow a user to perform diagnostic,maintenance, repair, and other administrative functions for network node160.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example wireless device (WD) for PO allocation,according to certain embodiments. As used herein, WD refers to a devicecapable, configured, arranged and/or operable to communicate wirelesslywith network nodes and/or other wireless devices. Unless otherwisenoted, the term WD may be used interchangeably herein with userequipment (UE). Communicating wirelessly may involve transmitting and/orreceiving wireless signals using electromagnetic waves, radio waves,infrared waves, and/or other types of signals suitable for conveyinginformation through air. In some embodiments, a WD may be configured totransmit and/or receive information without direct human interaction.For instance, a WD may be designed to transmit information to a networkon a predetermined schedule, when triggered by an internal or externalevent, or in response to requests from the network. Examples of a WDinclude, but are not limited to, a smart phone, a mobile phone, a cellphone, a voice over IP (VoIP) phone, a wireless local loop phone, adesktop computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a wirelesscameras, a gaming console or device, a music storage device, a playbackappliance, a wearable terminal device, a wireless endpoint, a mobilestation, a tablet, a laptop, a laptop-embedded equipment (LEE), alaptop-mounted equipment (LME), a smart device, a wirelesscustomer-premise equipment (CPE). a vehicle-mounted wireless terminaldevice, etc. A WD may support device-to-device (D2D) communication, forexample by implementing a 3GPP standard for sidelink communication,vehicle-to-vehicle (V2V), vehicle-to-infrastructure (V2I),vehicle-to-everything (V2X) and may in this case be referred to as a D2Dcommunication device. As yet another specific example, in an Internet ofThings (IoT) scenario, a WD may represent a machine or other device thatperforms monitoring and/or measurements, and transmits the results ofsuch monitoring and/or measurements to another WD and/or a network node.The WD may in this case be a machine-to-machine (M2M) device, which mayin a 3GPP context be referred to as an MTC device. As one particularexample, the WD may be a UE implementing the 3GPP narrow band internetof things (NB-IoT) standard. Particular examples of such machines ordevices are sensors, metering devices such as power meters, industrialmachinery, or home or personal appliances (e.g. refrigerators,televisions, etc.) personal wearables (e.g., watches, fitness trackers,etc.). In other scenarios, a WD may represent a vehicle or otherequipment that is capable of monitoring and/or reporting on itsoperational status or other functions associated with its operation. AWD as described above may represent the endpoint of a wirelessconnection, in which case the device may be referred to as a wirelessterminal. Furthermore, a WD as described above may be mobile, in whichcase it may also be referred to as a mobile device or a mobile terminal.

As illustrated, wireless device 110 includes antenna 111, interface 114,processing circuitry 120, device readable medium 130, user interfaceequipment 132, auxiliary equipment 134, power source 136 and powercircuitry 137. WD 110 may include multiple sets of one or more of theillustrated components for different wireless technologies supported byWD 110, such as, for example, GSM, WCDMA, LTE, NR, WiFi, WiMAX, orBluetooth wireless technologies, just to mention a few. These wirelesstechnologies may be integrated into the same or different chips or setof chips as other components within WD 110.

Antenna 111 may include one or more antennas or antenna arrays,configured to send and/or receive wireless signals, and is connected tointerface 114. In certain alternative embodiments, antenna 111 may beseparate from WD 110 and be connectable to WD 110 through an interfaceor port. Antenna 111, interface 114, and/or processing circuitry 120 maybe configured to perform any receiving or transmitting operationsdescribed herein as being performed by a WD. Any information, dataand/or signals may be received from a network node and/or another WD. Insome embodiments, radio front end circuitry and/or antenna 111 may beconsidered an interface.

As illustrated, interface 114 comprises radio front end circuitry 112and antenna 111. Radio front end circuitry 112 comprise one or morefilters 118 and amplifiers 116. Radio front end circuitry 114 isconnected to antenna 111 and processing circuitry 120, and is configuredto condition signals communicated between antenna 111 and processingcircuitry 120. Radio front end circuitry 112 may be coupled to or a partof antenna 111. In some embodiments, WD 110 may not include separateradio front end circuitry 112; rather, processing circuitry 120 maycomprise radio front end circuitry and may be connected to antenna 111.Similarly, in some embodiments, some or all of RF transceiver circuitry122 may be considered a part of interface 114. Radio front end circuitry112 may receive digital data that is to be sent out to other networknodes or WDs via a wireless connection. Radio front end circuitry 112may convert the digital data into a radio signal having the appropriatechannel and bandwidth parameters using a combination of filters 118and/or amplifiers 116. The radio signal may then be transmitted viaantenna 111. Similarly, when receiving data, antenna 111 may collectradio signals which are then converted into digital data by radio frontend circuitry 112. The digital data may be passed to processingcircuitry 120. In other embodiments, the interface may comprisedifferent components and/or different combinations of components.

Processing circuitry 120 may comprise a combination of one or more of amicroprocessor, controller, microcontroller, central processing unit,digital signal processor, application-specific integrated circuit, fieldprogrammable gate array, or any other suitable computing device,resource, or combination of hardware, software, and/or encoded logicoperable to provide, either alone or in conjunction with other WD 110components, such as device readable medium 130, WD 110 functionality.Such functionality may include providing any of the various wirelessfeatures or benefits discussed herein. For example, processing circuitry120 may execute instructions stored in device readable medium 130 or inmemory within processing circuitry 120 to provide the functionalitydisclosed herein.

As illustrated, processing circuitry 120 includes one or more of RFtransceiver circuitry 122, baseband processing circuitry 124, andapplication processing circuitry 126. In other embodiments, theprocessing circuitry may comprise different components and/or differentcombinations of components. In certain embodiments processing circuitry120 of WD 110 may comprise a SOC. In some embodiments, RF transceivercircuitry 122, baseband processing circuitry 124, and applicationprocessing circuitry 126 may be on separate chips or sets of chips. Inalternative embodiments, part or all of baseband processing circuitry124 and application processing circuitry 126 may be combined into onechip or set of chips, and RF transceiver circuitry 122 may be on aseparate chip or set of chips. In still alternative embodiments, part orall of RF transceiver circuitry 122 and baseband processing circuitry124 may be on the same chip or set of chips, and application processingcircuitry 126 may be on a separate chip or set of chips. In yet otheralternative embodiments, part or all of RF transceiver circuitry 122,baseband processing circuitry 124, and application processing circuitry126 may be combined in the same chip or set of chips. In someembodiments, RF transceiver circuitry 122 may be a part of interface114. RF transceiver circuitry 122 may condition RF signals forprocessing circuitry 120.

In certain embodiments, some or all of the functionality describedherein as being performed by a WD may be provided by processingcircuitry 120 executing instructions stored on device readable medium130, which in certain embodiments may be a computer-readable storagemedium. In alternative embodiments, some or all of the functionality maybe provided by processing circuitry 120 without executing instructionsstored on a separate or discrete device readable storage medium, such asin a hard-wired manner. In any of those particular embodiments, whetherexecuting instructions stored on a device readable storage medium ornot, processing circuitry 120 can be configured to perform the describedfunctionality. The benefits provided by such functionality are notlimited to processing circuitry 120 alone or to other components of WD110, but are enjoyed by WD 110 as a whole, and/or by end users and thewireless network generally.

Processing circuitry 120 may be configured to perform any determining,calculating, or similar operations (e.g., certain obtaining operations)described herein as being performed by a WD. These operations, asperformed by processing circuitry 120, may include processinginformation obtained by processing circuitry 120 by, for example,converting the obtained information into other information, comparingthe obtained information or converted information to information storedby WD 110, and/or performing one or more operations based on theobtained information or converted information, and as a result of saidprocessing making a determination.

Device readable medium 130 may be operable to store a computer program,software, an application including one or more of logic, rules, code,tables, etc. and/or other instructions capable of being executed byprocessing circuitry 120. Device readable medium 130 may includecomputer memory (e.g., Random Access Memory (RAM) or Read Only Memory(ROM)), mass storage media (e.g., a hard disk), removable storage media(e.g., a Compact Disk (CD) or a Digital Video Disk (DVD)), and/or anyother volatile or non-volatile, non-transitory device readable and/orcomputer executable memory devices that store information, data, and/orinstructions that may be used by processing circuitry 120. In someembodiments, processing circuitry 120 and device readable medium 130 maybe considered to be integrated.

User interface equipment 132 may provide components that allow for ahuman user to interact with WD 110. Such interaction may be of manyforms, such as visual, audial, tactile, etc. User interface equipment132 may be operable to produce output to the user and to allow the userto provide input to WD 110. The type of interaction may vary dependingon the type of user interface equipment 132 installed in WD 110. Forexample, if WD 110 is a smart phone, the interaction may be via a touchscreen; if WD 110 is a smart meter, the interaction may be through ascreen that provides usage (e.g., the number of gallons used) or aspeaker that provides an audible alert (e.g., if smoke is detected).User interface equipment 132 may include input interfaces, devices andcircuits, and output interfaces, devices and circuits. User interfaceequipment 132 is configured to allow input of information into WD 110,and is connected to processing circuitry 120 to allow processingcircuitry 120 to process the input information. User interface equipment132 may include, for example, a microphone, a proximity or other sensor,keys/buttons, a touch display, one or more cameras, a USB port, or otherinput circuitry. User interface equipment 132 is also configured toallow output of information from WD 110, and to allow processingcircuitry 120 to output information from WD 110. User interfaceequipment 132 may include, for example, a speaker, a display, vibratingcircuitry, a USB port, a headphone interface, or other output circuitry.Using one or more input and output interfaces, devices, and circuits, ofuser interface equipment 132, WD 110 may communicate with end usersand/or the wireless network, and allow them to benefit from thefunctionality described herein.

Auxiliary equipment 134 is operable to provide more specificfunctionality which may not be generally performed by WDs. This maycomprise specialized sensors for doing measurements for variouspurposes, interfaces for additional types of communication such as wiredcommunications etc. The inclusion and type of components of auxiliaryequipment 134 may vary depending on the embodiment and/or scenario.

Power source 136 may, in some embodiments, be in the form of a batteryor battery pack. Other types of power sources, such as an external powersource (e.g., an electricity outlet), photovoltaic devices or powercells, may also be used. WD 110 may further comprise power circuitry 137for delivering power from power source 136 to the various parts of WD110 which need power from power source 136 to carry out anyfunctionality described or indicated herein. Power circuitry 137 may incertain embodiments comprise power management circuitry. Power circuitry137 may additionally or alternatively be operable to receive power froman external power source; in which case WD 110 may be connectable to theexternal power source (such as an electricity outlet) via inputcircuitry or an interface such as an electrical power cable. Powercircuitry 137 may also in certain embodiments be operable to deliverpower from an external power source to power source 136. This may be,for example, for the charging of power source 136. Power circuitry 137may perform any formatting, converting, or other modification to thepower from power source 136 to make the power suitable for therespective components of WD 110 to which power is supplied.

FIG. 4 illustrates one embodiment of a UE in accordance with variousaspects described herein. As used herein, a user equipment or UE may notnecessarily have a user in the sense of a human user who owns and/oroperates the relevant device. Instead, a UE may represent a device thatis intended for sale to, or operation by, a human user but which maynot, or which may not initially, be associated with a specific humanuser (e.g., a smart sprinkler controller). Alternatively, a UE mayrepresent a device that is not intended for sale to, or operation by, anend user but which may be associated with or operated for the benefit ofa user (e.g., a smart power meter). UE 2200 may be any UE identified bythe 3^(rd) Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), including a NB-IoT UE,a machine type communication (MTC) UE, and/or an enhanced MTC (eMTC) UE.UE 200, as illustrated in FIG. 4 , is one example of a WD configured forcommunication in accordance with one or more communication standardspromulgated by the 3^(rd) Generation Partnership Project (3GPP), such as3GPP's GSM, UMTS, LTE, and/or 5G standards. As mentioned previously, theterm WD and UE may be used interchangeable. Accordingly, although FIG. 4is a UE, the components discussed herein are equally applicable to a WD,and vice-versa.

In FIG. 4 , UE 200 includes processing circuitry 201 that is operativelycoupled to input/output interface 205, radio frequency (RF) interface209, network connection interface 211, memory 215 including randomaccess memory (RAM) 217, read-only memory (ROM) 219, and storage medium221 or the like, communication subsystem 231, power source 233, and/orany other component, or any combination thereof. Storage medium 221includes operating system 223, application program 225, and data 227. Inother embodiments, storage medium 221 may include other similar types ofinformation. Certain UEs may utilize all of the components shown in FIG.4 , or only a subset of the components. The level of integration betweenthe components may vary from one UE to another UE. Further, certain UEsmay contain multiple instances of a component, such as multipleprocessors, memories, transceivers, transmitters, receivers, etc.

In FIG. 4 , processing circuitry 201 may be configured to processcomputer instructions and data. Processing circuitry 201 may beconfigured to implement any sequential state machine operative toexecute machine instructions stored as machine-readable computerprograms in the memory, such as one or more hardware-implemented statemachines (e.g., in discrete logic, FPGA, ASIC, etc.); programmable logictogether with appropriate firmware; one or more stored program,general-purpose processors, such as a microprocessor or Digital SignalProcessor (DSP), together with appropriate software; or any combinationof the above. For example, the processing circuitry 201 may include twocentral processing units (CPUs). Data may be information in a formsuitable for use by a computer.

In the depicted embodiment, input/output interface 205 may be configuredto provide a communication interface to an input device, output device,or input and output device. UE 200 may be configured to use an outputdevice via input/output interface 205. An output device may use the sametype of interface port as an input device. For example, a USB port maybe used to provide input to and output from UE 200. The output devicemay be a speaker, a sound card, a video card, a display, a monitor, aprinter, an actuator, an emitter, a smartcard, another output device, orany combination thereof. UE 200 may be configured to use an input devicevia input/output interface 205 to allow a user to capture informationinto UE 200. The input device may include a touch-sensitive orpresence-sensitive display, a camera (e.g., a digital camera, a digitalvideo camera, a web camera, etc.), a microphone, a sensor, a mouse, atrackball, a directional pad, a trackpad, a scroll wheel, a smartcard,and the like. The presence-sensitive display may include a capacitive orresistive touch sensor to sense input from a user. A sensor may be, forinstance, an accelerometer, a gyroscope, a tilt sensor, a force sensor,a magnetometer, an optical sensor, a proximity sensor, another likesensor, or any combination thereof. For example, the input device may bean accelerometer, a magnetometer, a digital camera, a microphone, and anoptical sensor.

In FIG. 4 , RF interface 209 may be configured to provide acommunication interface to RF components such as a transmitter, areceiver, and an antenna. Network connection interface 211 may beconfigured to provide a communication interface to network 243 a.Network 243 a may encompass wired and/or wireless networks such as alocal-area network (LAN), a wide-area network (WAN), a computer network,a wireless network, a telecommunications network, another like networkor any combination thereof. For example, network 243 a may comprise aWi-Fi network. Network connection interface 211 may be configured toinclude a receiver and a transmitter interface used to communicate withone or more other devices over a communication network according to oneor more communication protocols, such as Ethernet, TCP/IP, SONET, ATM,or the like. Network connection interface 211 may implement receiver andtransmitter functionality appropriate to the communication network links(e.g., optical, electrical, and the like). The transmitter and receiverfunctions may share circuit components, software or firmware, oralternatively may be implemented separately.

RAM 217 may be configured to interface via bus 202 to processingcircuitry 201 to provide storage or caching of data or computerinstructions during the execution of software programs such as theoperating system, application programs, and device drivers. ROM 219 maybe configured to provide computer instructions or data to processingcircuitry 201. For example, ROM 219 may be configured to store invariantlow-level system code or data for basic system functions such as basicinput and output (I/O), startup, or reception of keystrokes from akeyboard that are stored in a non-volatile memory. Storage medium 221may be configured to include memory such as RAM, ROM, programmableread-only memory (PROM), erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM),electrically erasable programmable read-only memory (EEPROM), magneticdisks, optical disks, floppy disks, hard disks, removable cartridges, orflash drives. In one example, storage medium 221 may be configured toinclude operating system 223, application program 225 such as a webbrowser application, a widget or gadget engine or another application,and data file 227. Storage medium 221 may store, for use by UE 200, anyof a variety of various operating systems or combinations of operatingsystems.

Storage medium 221 may be configured to include a number of physicaldrive units, such as redundant array of independent disks (RAID), floppydisk drive, flash memory, USB flash drive, external hard disk drive,thumb drive, pen drive, key drive, high-density digital versatile disc(HD-DVD) optical disc drive, internal hard disk drive, Blu-Ray opticaldisc drive, holographic digital data storage (HDDS) optical disc drive,external mini-dual in-line memory module (DIMM), synchronous dynamicrandom access memory (SDRAM), external micro-DIMM SDRAM, smartcardmemory such as a subscriber identity module or a removable user identity(SIM/RUIM) module, other memory, or any combination thereof. Storagemedium 221 may allow UE 200 to access computer-executable instructions,application programs or the like, stored on transitory or non-transitorymemory media, to off-load data, or to upload data. An article ofmanufacture, such as one utilizing a communication system may betangibly embodied in storage medium 221, which may comprise a devicereadable medium.

In FIG. 4 , processing circuitry 201 may be configured to communicatewith network 243 b using communication subsystem 231. Network 243 a andnetwork 243 b may be the same network or networks or different networkor networks. Communication subsystem 231 may be configured to includeone or more transceivers used to communicate with network 243 b. Forexample, communication subsystem 231 may be configured to include one ormore transceivers used to communicate with one or more remotetransceivers of another device capable of wireless communication such asanother WD, UE, or base station of a radio access network (RAN)according to one or more communication protocols, such as IEEE 802.2,CDMA, WCDMA, GSM, LTE, UTRAN, WiMax, or the like. Each transceiver mayinclude transmitter 233 and/or receiver 235 to implement transmitter orreceiver functionality, respectively, appropriate to the RAN links(e.g., frequency allocations and the like). Further, transmitter 233 andreceiver 235 of each transceiver may share circuit components, softwareor firmware, or alternatively may be implemented separately.

In the illustrated embodiment, the communication functions ofcommunication subsystem 231 may include data communication, voicecommunication, multimedia communication, short-range communications suchas Bluetooth, near-field communication, location-based communicationsuch as the use of the global positioning system (GPS) to determine alocation, another like communication function, or any combinationthereof. For example, communication subsystem 231 may include cellularcommunication, Wi-Fi communication, Bluetooth communication, and GPScommunication. Network 243 b may encompass wired and/or wirelessnetworks such as a local-area network (LAN), a wide-area network (WAN),a computer network, a wireless network, a telecommunications network,another like network or any combination thereof. For example, network243 b may be a cellular network, a Wi-Fi network, and/or a near-fieldnetwork. Power source 213 may be configured to provide alternatingcurrent (AC) or direct current (DC) power to components of UE 200.

The features, benefits and/or functions described herein may beimplemented in one of the components of UE 200 or partitioned acrossmultiple components of UE 200. Further, the features, benefits, and/orfunctions described herein may be implemented in any combination ofhardware, software or firmware. In one example, communication subsystem231 may be configured to include any of the components described herein.Further, processing circuitry 201 may be configured to communicate withany of such components over bus 202. In another example, any of suchcomponents may be represented by program instructions stored in memorythat when executed by processing circuitry 201 perform the correspondingfunctions described herein. In another example, the functionality of anyof such components may be partitioned between processing circuitry 201and communication subsystem 231. In another example, thenon-computationally intensive functions of any of such components may beimplemented in software or firmware and the computationally intensivefunctions may be implemented in hardware.

FIG. 5 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a virtualizationenvironment 300 in which functions implemented by some embodiments maybe virtualized. In the present context, virtualizing means creatingvirtual versions of apparatuses or devices which may includevirtualizing hardware platforms, storage devices and networkingresources. As used herein, virtualization can be applied to a node(e.g., a virtualized base station or a virtualized radio access node) orto a device (e.g., a UE, a wireless device or any other type ofcommunication device) or components thereof and relates to animplementation in which at least a portion of the functionality isimplemented as one or more virtual components (e.g., via one or moreapplications, components, functions, virtual machines or containersexecuting on one or more physical processing nodes in one or morenetworks).

In some embodiments, some or all of the functions described herein maybe implemented as virtual components executed by one or more virtualmachines implemented in one or more virtual environments 300 hosted byone or more of hardware nodes 330. Further, in embodiments in which thevirtual node is not a radio access node or does not require radioconnectivity (e.g., a core network node), then the network node may beentirely virtualized.

The functions may be implemented by one or more applications 320 (whichmay alternatively be called software instances, virtual appliances,network functions, virtual nodes, virtual network functions, etc.)operative to implement some of the features, functions, and/or benefitsof some of the embodiments disclosed herein. Applications 320 are run invirtualization environment 300 which provides hardware 330 comprisingprocessing circuitry 360 and memory 390. Memory 390 containsinstructions 395 executable by processing circuitry 360 wherebyapplication 320 is operative to provide one or more of the features,benefits, and/or functions disclosed herein.

Virtualization environment 300, comprises general-purpose orspecial-purpose network hardware devices 330 comprising a set of one ormore processors or processing circuitry 360, which may be commercialoff-the-shelf (COTS) processors, dedicated Application SpecificIntegrated Circuits (ASICs), or any other type of processing circuitryincluding digital or analog hardware components or special purposeprocessors. Each hardware device may comprise memory 390-1 which may benon-persistent memory for temporarily storing instructions 395 orsoftware executed by processing circuitry 360. Each hardware device maycomprise one or more network interface controllers (NICs) 370, alsoknown as network interface cards, which include physical networkinterface 380. Each hardware device may also include non-transitory,persistent, machine-readable storage media 390-2 having stored thereinsoftware 395 and/or instructions executable by processing circuitry 360.Software 395 may include any type of software including software forinstantiating one or more virtualization layers 350 (also referred to ashypervisors), software to execute virtual machines 340 as well assoftware allowing it to execute functions, features and/or benefitsdescribed in relation with some embodiments described herein.

Virtual machines 340, comprise virtual processing, virtual memory,virtual networking or interface and virtual storage, and may be run by acorresponding virtualization layer 350 or hypervisor. Differentembodiments of the instance of virtual appliance 320 may be implementedon one or more of virtual machines 340, and the implementations may bemade in different ways.

During operation, processing circuitry 360 executes software 395 toinstantiate the hypervisor or virtualization layer 350, which maysometimes be referred to as a virtual machine monitor (VMM).Virtualization layer 350 may present a virtual operating platform thatappears like networking hardware to virtual machine 340.

As shown in FIG. 5 , hardware 330 may be a standalone network node withgeneric or specific components. Hardware 330 may comprise antenna 3225and may implement some functions via virtualization. Alternatively,hardware 330 may be part of a larger cluster of hardware (e.g. such asin a data center or customer premise equipment (CPE)) where manyhardware nodes work together and are managed via management andorchestration (MANO) 3100, which, among others, oversees lifecyclemanagement of applications 320.

Virtualization of the hardware is in some contexts referred to asnetwork function virtualization (NFV). NFV may be used to consolidatemany network equipment types onto industry standard high volume serverhardware, physical switches, and physical storage, which can be locatedin data centers, and customer premise equipment.

In the context of NFV, virtual machine 340 may be a softwareimplementation of a physical machine that runs programs as if they wereexecuting on a physical, non-virtualized machine. Each of virtualmachines 340, and that part of hardware 330 that executes that virtualmachine, be it hardware dedicated to that virtual machine and/orhardware shared by that virtual machine with others of the virtualmachines 340, forms a separate virtual network elements (VNE).

Still in the context of NFV, Virtual Network Function (VNF) isresponsible for handling specific network functions that run in one ormore virtual machines 340 on top of hardware networking infrastructure330 and corresponds to application 320 in FIG. 5 .

In some embodiments, one or more radio units 3200 that each include oneor more transmitters 3220 and one or more receivers 3210 may be coupledto one or more antennas 3225. Radio units 3200 may communicate directlywith hardware nodes 330 via one or more appropriate network interfacesand may be used in combination with the virtual components to provide avirtual node with radio capabilities, such as a radio access node or abase station.

In some embodiments, some signalling can be effected with the use ofcontrol system 3230 which may alternatively be used for communicationbetween the hardware nodes 330 and radio units 3200.

FIG. 6 illustrates an example telecommunication network connected via anintermediate network to a host computer, in accordance with someembodiments. With reference to FIG. 6 , in accordance with anembodiment, a communication system includes telecommunication network410, such as a 3GPP-type cellular network, which comprises accessnetwork 411, such as a radio access network, and core network 414.Access network 411 comprises a plurality of base stations 412 a, 412 b,412 c, such as NBs, eNBs, gNBs or other types of wireless access points,each defining a corresponding coverage area 413 a, 413 b, 413 c. Eachbase station 412 a, 412 b, 412 c is connectable to core network 414 overa wired or wireless connection 415. A first UE 491 located in coveragearea 413 c is configured to wirelessly connect to, or be paged by, thecorresponding base station 412 c. A second UE 492 in coverage area 413 ais wirelessly connectable to the corresponding base station 412 a. Whilea plurality of UEs 491, 492 are illustrated in this example, thedisclosed embodiments are equally applicable to a situation where a soleUE is in the coverage area or where a sole UE is connecting to thecorresponding base station 412.

Telecommunication network 410 is itself connected to host computer 430,which may be embodied in the hardware and/or software of a standaloneserver, a cloud-implemented server, a distributed server or asprocessing resources in a server farm. Host computer 430 may be underthe ownership or control of a service provider, or may be operated bythe service provider or on behalf of the service provider. Connections421 and 422 between telecommunication network 410 and host computer 430may extend directly from core network 414 to host computer 430 or may govia an optional intermediate network 420. Intermediate network 420 maybe one of, or a combination of more than one of, a public, private orhosted network; intermediate network 420, if any, may be a backbonenetwork or the Internet; in particular, intermediate network 420 maycomprise two or more sub-networks (not shown).

The communication system of FIG. 6 as a whole enables connectivitybetween the connected UEs 491, 492 and host computer 430. Theconnectivity may be described as an over-the-top (OTT) connection 450.Host computer 430 and the connected UEs 491, 492 are configured tocommunicate data and/or signaling via OTT connection 450, using accessnetwork 411, core network 414, any intermediate network 420 and possiblefurther infrastructure (not shown) as intermediaries. OTT connection 450may be transparent in the sense that the participating communicationdevices through which OTT connection 450 passes are unaware of routingof uplink and downlink communications. For example, base station 412 maynot or need not be informed about the past routing of an incomingdownlink communication with data originating from host computer 430 tobe forwarded (e.g., handed over) to a connected UE 491. Similarly, basestation 412 need not be aware of the future routing of an outgoinguplink communication originating from the UE 491 towards the hostcomputer 430.

Example implementations, in accordance with an embodiment, of the UE,base station and host computer discussed in the preceding paragraphswill now be described with reference to FIG. 7 . FIG. 7 illustrates anexample host computer communicating via a base station with a userequipment over a partially wireless connection, in accordance with someembodiments.

In communication system 500, host computer 510 comprises hardware 515including communication interface 516 configured to set up and maintaina wired or wireless connection with an interface of a differentcommunication device of communication system 500. Host computer 510further comprises processing circuitry 518, which may have storageand/or processing capabilities. In particular, processing circuitry 518may comprise one or more programmable processors, application-specificintegrated circuits, field programmable gate arrays or combinations ofthese (not shown) adapted to execute instructions. Host computer 510further comprises software 511, which is stored in or accessible by hostcomputer 510 and executable by processing circuitry 518. Software 511includes host application 512. Host application 512 may be operable toprovide a service to a remote user, such as UE 530 connecting via OTTconnection 550 terminating at UE 530 and host computer 510. In providingthe service to the remote user, host application 512 may provide userdata which is transmitted using OTT connection 550.

Communication system 500 further includes base station 520 provided in atelecommunication system and comprising hardware 525 enabling it tocommunicate with host computer 510 and with UE 530. Hardware 525 mayinclude communication interface 526 for setting up and maintaining awired or wireless connection with an interface of a differentcommunication device of communication system 500, as well as radiointerface 527 for setting up and maintaining at least wirelessconnection 570 with UE 530 located in a coverage area (not shown in FIG.7 ) served by base station 520. Communication interface 526 may beconfigured to facilitate connection 560 to host computer 510. Connection560 may be direct or it may pass through a core network (not shown inFIG. 7 ) of the telecommunication system and/or through one or moreintermediate networks outside the telecommunication system. In theembodiment shown, hardware 525 of base station 520 further includesprocessing circuitry 528, which may comprise one or more programmableprocessors, application-specific integrated circuits, field programmablegate arrays or combinations of these (not shown) adapted to executeinstructions. Base station 520 further has software 521 storedinternally or accessible via an external connection.

Communication system 500 further includes UE 530 already referred to.Its hardware 535 may include radio interface 537 configured to set upand maintain wireless connection 570 with a base station serving acoverage area in which UE 530 is currently located. Hardware 535 of UE530 further includes processing circuitry 538, which may comprise one ormore programmable processors, application-specific integrated circuits,field programmable gate arrays or combinations of these (not shown)adapted to execute instructions. UE 530 further comprises software 531,which is stored in or accessible by UE 530 and executable by processingcircuitry 538. Software 531 includes client application 532. Clientapplication 532 may be operable to provide a service to a human ornon-human user via UE 530, with the support of host computer 510. Inhost computer 510, an executing host application 512 may communicatewith the executing client application 532 via OTT connection 550terminating at UE 530 and host computer 510. In providing the service tothe user, client application 532 may receive request data from hostapplication 512 and provide user data in response to the request data.OTT connection 550 may transfer both the request data and the user data.Client application 532 may interact with the user to generate the userdata that it provides.

It is noted that host computer 510, base station 520 and UE 530illustrated in FIG. 7 may be similar or identical to host computer 430,one of base stations 412 a, 412 b, 412 c and one of UEs 491, 492 of FIG.6 , respectively. This is to say, the inner workings of these entitiesmay be as shown in FIG. 7 and independently, the surrounding networktopology may be that of FIG. 6 .

In FIG. 7 , OTT connection 550 has been drawn abstractly to illustratethe communication between host computer 510 and UE 530 via base station520, without explicit reference to any intermediary devices and theprecise routing of messages via these devices. Network infrastructuremay determine the routing, which it may be configured to hide from UE530 or from the service provider operating host computer 510, or both.While OTT connection 550 is active, the network infrastructure mayfurther take decisions by which it dynamically changes the routing(e.g., on the basis of load balancing consideration or reconfigurationof the network).

Wireless connection 570 between UE 530 and base station 520 is inaccordance with the teachings of the embodiments described throughoutthis disclosure. One or more of the various embodiments improve theperformance of OTT services provided to UE 530 using OTT connection 550,in which wireless connection 570 forms the last segment.

A measurement procedure may be provided for the purpose of monitoringdata rate, latency and other factors on which the one or moreembodiments improve. There may further be an optional networkfunctionality for reconfiguring OTT connection 550 between host computer510 and UE 530, in response to variations in the measurement results.The measurement procedure and/or the network functionality forreconfiguring OTT connection 550 may be implemented in software 511 andhardware 515 of host computer 510 or in software 531 and hardware 535 ofUE 530, or both. In embodiments, sensors (not shown) may be deployed inor in association with communication devices through which OTTconnection 550 passes; the sensors may participate in the measurementprocedure by supplying values of the monitored quantities exemplifiedabove, or supplying values of other physical quantities from whichsoftware 511, 531 may compute or estimate the monitored quantities. Thereconfiguring of OTT connection 550 may include message format,retransmission settings, preferred routing etc.; the reconfiguring neednot affect base station 520, and it may be unknown or imperceptible tobase station 520. Such procedures and functionalities may be known andpracticed in the art. In certain embodiments, measurements may involveproprietary UE signaling facilitating host computer 510's measurementsof throughput, propagation times, latency and the like. The measurementsmay be implemented in that software 511 and 531 causes messages to betransmitted, in particular empty or ‘dummy’ messages, using OTTconnection 550 while it monitors propagation times, errors etc.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a method implemented in acommunication system, in accordance with one embodiment. Thecommunication system includes a host computer, a base station and a UEwhich may be those described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7 . Forsimplicity of the present disclosure, only drawing references to FIG. 8will be included in this section. In step 610, the host computerprovides user data. In substep 611 (which may be optional) of step 610,the host computer provides the user data by executing a hostapplication. In step 620, the host computer initiates a transmissioncarrying the user data to the UE. In step 630 (which may be optional),the base station transmits to the UE the user data which was carried inthe transmission that the host computer initiated, in accordance withthe teachings of the embodiments described throughout this disclosure.In step 640 (which may also be optional), the UE executes a clientapplication associated with the host application executed by the hostcomputer.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a method implemented in acommunication system, in accordance with one embodiment. Thecommunication system includes a host computer, a base station and a UEwhich may be those described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7 . Forsimplicity of the present disclosure, only drawing references to FIG. 9will be included in this section. In step 710 of the method, the hostcomputer provides user data. In an optional substep (not shown) the hostcomputer provides the user data by executing a host application. In step720, the host computer initiates a transmission carrying the user datato the UE. The transmission may pass via the base station, in accordancewith the teachings of the embodiments described throughout thisdisclosure. In step 730 (which may be optional), the UE receives theuser data carried in the transmission.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a method implemented in acommunication system, in accordance with one embodiment. Thecommunication system includes a host computer, a base station and a UEwhich may be those described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7 . Forsimplicity of the present disclosure, only drawing references to FIG. 10will be included in this section. In step 810 (which may be optional),the UE receives input data provided by the host computer. Additionallyor alternatively, in step 820, the UE provides user data. In substep 821(which may be optional) of step 820, the UE provides the user data byexecuting a client application. In substep 811 (which may be optional)of step 810, the UE executes a client application which provides theuser data in reaction to the received input data provided by the hostcomputer. In providing the user data, the executed client applicationmay further consider user input received from the user. Regardless ofthe specific manner in which the user data was provided, the UEinitiates, in substep 830 (which may be optional), transmission of theuser data to the host computer. In step 840 of the method, the hostcomputer receives the user data transmitted from the UE, in accordancewith the teachings of the embodiments described throughout thisdisclosure.

FIG. 11 is a flowchart illustrating a method implemented in acommunication system, in accordance with one embodiment. Thecommunication system includes a host computer, a base station and a UEwhich may be those described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7 . Forsimplicity of the present disclosure, only drawing references to FIG. 11will be included in this section. In step 910 (which may be optional),in accordance with the teachings of the embodiments described throughoutthis disclosure, the base station receives user data from the UE. Instep 920 (which may be optional), the base station initiatestransmission of the received user data to the host computer. In step 930(which may be optional), the host computer receives the user datacarried in the transmission initiated by the base station.

FIG. 12 depicts a method performed by a wireless device for POreallocation, in accordance with particular embodiments. The methodbegins at step 1002, where the wireless device determines that a set ofPOs configured for the wireless device comprises one or more problematicPOs.

In certain embodiments, the method may comprise receiving systeminformation indicating the set of POs configured for the wirelessdevice.

In certain embodiments, the method may comprise transmitting capabilityinformation to a network node. In certain embodiments, the capabilityinformation may be for use by the network node to determine that the setof POs configured for the wireless device comprises one or moreproblematic POs. In certain embodiments, the capability information maycomprise one or more of: information indicating that the wireless deviceis capable of receiving a paging transmission frequency-multiplexed withan SSB transmission; information indicating that the wireless device isincapable of receiving a paging transmission frequency-multiplexed withan SSB transmission; information indicating that the wireless device isbandwidth limited; information indicating that the wireless device isnot bandwidth limited; information indicating that the wireless deviceis capable of receiving transmissions with different subcarrier spacingsimultaneously; information indicating that the wireless device isincapable of receiving transmissions with different subcarrier spacingsimultaneously; and information indicating how long the wireless deviceis capable of maintaining valid synchronization.

In certain embodiments, the wireless device may not be capable ofreceiving both an SSB transmission and a paging transmissionsimultaneously when the SSB transmission and the paging transmission arefrequency-multiplexed.

In certain embodiments, the one or more problematic POs may comprise aPO that is frequency-multiplexed with an SS Burst Set. In certainembodiments, the one or more problematic POs may comprise a PO thatcoincides with or partly overlaps with an SS Burst Set. In certainembodiments, the PO that coincides with or partly overlaps with the SSBurst Set may comprise one or more of: a PO that at least partlyoverlaps with an SS Burst Set in a time domain; a PO that at leastpartly overlaps in time with a duration the SS Burst Set would have hadif all possible SSB beams were utilized; a PO that does not have enoughguard time between the PO and a closest SS Burst Set; a PO that does nothave enough guard time between the PO and the closest SS Burst Set ifall of the SSB beams were utilized; a PO in which at least one PhysicalDownlink Control Channel (PDCCH) monitoring occasion at least partlyoverlaps in time with an SSB transmission; a PO in which at least onePDCCH monitoring occasion overlaps in time with a slot containing an SSBtransmission; a PO in which at least one PDCCH monitoring occasion islocated in the same slot as at least one SSB transmission; a PO in whichat least one PDCCH monitoring occasion is located in a slot thatoverlaps in time with a slot containing at least one SSB transmission;and a PO in which at least one resource element for a PDCCH candidate ofat least one PDCCH monitoring occasion overlaps with at least oneresource element corresponding to an SSB transmission.

At step 1004, the wireless device selects a non-problematic PO based onone or more criteria. In certain embodiments, the one or more criteriamay comprise one or more rules for reallocating POs.

In certain embodiments, selecting the non-problematic PO based on one ormore criteria may comprise: removing the one or more problematic POsfrom the set of POs configured for the wireless device; indexing one ormore POs remaining in the set of POs configured for the wireless deviceafter the one or more problematic POs have been removed; and selectingan indexed PO based on one or more criteria. In certain embodiments,indexing the one or more POs remaining in the set of POs configured forthe wireless device after the one or more problematic POs have beenremoved may comprise indexing the one or more POs remaining in the setof POs by index i, wherein i=0, 1, . . . P−1, and P equals a number ofPOs remaining after the one or more problematic POs have been removed.In certain embodiments, selecting the indexed PO based on one or morecriteria may comprise selecting an indexed PO that satisfies i=UE_ID modP, wherein the UE_ID comprises one of: an International MobileSubscriber Identity; and an S-Temporary Mobile Subscriber Identity.

In certain embodiments, selecting the non-problematic PO based on one ormore criteria may comprise selecting a first subsequent non-problematicPO.

In certain embodiments, selecting the non-problematic PO based on one ormore criteria may comprise selecting a closest preceding non-problematicPO.

In certain embodiments, selecting the non-problematic PO based on one ormore criteria may comprise: applying a hashing algorithm to anidentifier associated with the wireless device; and selecting thenon-problematic PO based on an output of the hashing algorithm. Incertain embodiments, the method may comprise indexing one or morenon-problematic POs, wherein the output of the hashing algorithmcomprises an index of the selected non-problematic PO.

In certain embodiments, the method may comprise monitoring for one ormore paging messages during the selected non-problematic PO.

In certain embodiments, the method may comprise: providing user data;and forwarding the user data to a host computer via the transmission tothe base station.

FIG. 13 illustrates a schematic block diagram of a virtual apparatus1100 in a wireless network (for example, the wireless network shown inFIG. 1 ). The apparatus may be implemented in a wireless device (e.g.,wireless device 110 shown in FIG. 1 ). Virtual apparatus 1100 isoperable to carry out the example method described with reference toFIG. 12 and possibly any other processes or methods disclosed herein. Itis also to be understood that the method of FIG. 12 is not necessarilycarried out solely by virtual apparatus 1100. At least some operationsof the method can be performed by one or more other entities.

Virtual Apparatus 1100 may comprise processing circuitry, which mayinclude one or more microprocessor or microcontrollers, as well as otherdigital hardware, which may include digital signal processors (DSPs),special-purpose digital logic, and the like. The processing circuitrymay be configured to execute program code stored in memory, which mayinclude one or several types of memory such as read-only memory (ROM),random-access memory, cache memory, flash memory devices, opticalstorage devices, etc. Program code stored in memory includes programinstructions for executing one or more telecommunications and/or datacommunications protocols as well as instructions for carrying out one ormore of the techniques described herein, in several embodiments. In someimplementations, the processing circuitry may be used to causedetermining unit 1102, receiving unit 1104, and communication unit 1106,and any other suitable units of apparatus 1100 to perform correspondingfunctions according one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

As illustrated in FIG. 13 , virtual apparatus 1100 includes determiningunit 1102, receiving unit 1104, and communication unit 1106. Determiningunit 1102 may perform the processing functions of virtual apparatus1100. For example, determining unit 1102 may be configured to determinethat a set of POs configured for the wireless device comprises one ormore problematic POs. As another example, determining unit 1102 may beconfigured to select a non-problematic PO based on one or more criteria.In certain embodiments, determining unit 1102 may be configured to:remove the one or more problematic POs from the set of POs configuredfor the wireless device; index one or more POs remaining in the set ofPOs configured for the wireless device after the one or more problematicPOs have been removed; and select an indexed PO based on one or morecriteria. In certain embodiments, determining unit 1102 may beconfigured to index the one or more problematic POs by index i, whereini=0, 1, . . . P−1, and P equals a number of POs remaining after the oneor more problematic POs have been removed. In certain embodiments,determining unit 1102 may be configured to select an indexed PO thatsatisfies i=UE_ID mod P, wherein the UE_ID comprises one of: anInternational Mobile Subscriber Identity; and an S-Temporary MobileSubscriber Identity.

In certain embodiments, determining unit 1102 may be configured toselect a first subsequent non-problematic PO. In certain embodiments,determining unit 1102 may be configured to select a closest precedingnon-problematic PO.

In certain embodiments, determining unit 1102 may be configured to:apply a hashing algorithm to an identifier associated with the wirelessdevice; and select the non-problematic PO based on an output of thehashing algorithm. In certain embodiments, determining unit 1102 may beconfigured to index one or more non-problematic POs, wherein the outputof the hashing algorithm comprises an index of the selectednon-problematic PO.

As still another example, determining unit 1102 may be configured tomonitor for one or more paging messages during the selectednon-problematic PO.

As yet another example, determining unit 1102 may be configured toprovide user data.

Receiving unit 1104 may perform the receiving functions of virtualapparatus 1100. For example, receiving unit 1104 may be configured toreceive system information indicating the set of POs configured for thewireless device.

Communication unit 1106 may perform the transmitting functions ofvirtual apparatus 1100. For example, communication unit 1106 may beconfigured to transmit capability information to a network node. Asanother example, communication unit 1106 may be configured to forwardthe user data to a host computer via the transmission to the basestation.

The term unit may have conventional meaning in the field of electronics,electrical devices and/or electronic devices and may include, forexample, electrical and/or electronic circuitry, devices, modules,processors, memories, logic solid state and/or discrete devices,computer programs or instructions for carrying out respective tasks,procedures, computations, outputs, and/or displaying functions, and soon, as such as those that are described herein.

FIG. 14 depicts a method performed by a wireless device for POallocation, in accordance with particular embodiments. The method beginsat step 1202, where the wireless device determines that a PO configuredfor the wireless device in a DRX cycle is problematic. At step 1204, thewireless device selects a non-problematic PO based on one or morecriteria. At step 1206, the wireless device monitors for one or morepaging messages during the selected non-problematic PO.

In a particular embodiment, the wireless device receives systeminformation from a network node indicating a set of POs configured forwireless devices in the DRX cycle and determines a PO configured for thewireless device in the set of POs. In a further particular embodiment,the wireless device selects the non-problematic PO from the set of POsconfigured for the wireless devices in the DRX cycle.

In a particular embodiment, selecting the non-problematic PO based onthe one or more criteria includes removing the PO that is problematicfrom the set of POs configured for the wireless devices in the DRX cycleand indexing one or more POs remaining in the set of POs configured forthe wireless devices in the DRX cycle after the PO that is problematichas been removed. An indexed PO is selected based on the one or morecriteria.

In a further particular embodiment, indexing the one or more POsincludes indexing the one or more POs remaining in the set of POs byindex i, wherein i=0, 1, . . . P−1, and P equals a number of POsremaining after the PO that is problematic has been removed.

In a further particular embodiment, selecting the indexed PO based onthe one or more criteria includes selecting an indexed PO that satisfiesi=UE_ID mod P, wherein the UE_ID includes an International MobileSubscriber Identity or a 5G-S-Temporary Mobile Subscriber Identity.

In a particular embodiment, selecting the non-problematic PO includesselecting a first subsequent non-problematic PO after the PO that isproblematic.

In a particular embodiment, selecting the non-problematic PO based onthe one or more criteria comprises selecting a closest precedingnon-problematic PO after the PO that is problematic.

In a particular embodiment, selecting the non-problematic PO based onthe one or more criteria includes applying a hashing algorithm to anidentifier associated with the wireless device in the DRX cycle andselecting the non-problematic PO based on an output of the hashingalgorithm. In a further embodiment, the output of the hashing algorithmincludes an index of the selected non-problematic PO.

In a particular embodiment, the PO that is problematic comprises a POthat is frequency-multiplexed with an SS Burst Set.

In a particular embodiment, the one or more problematic PO that isproblematic comprise a PO that coincides with or partly overlaps with anSS Burst Set.

In a particular embodiment, the PO that coincides with or partlyoverlaps with the SS Burst Set includes one or more of:

-   -   a PO that at least partly overlaps with an SS Burst Set in a        time domain;    -   a PO that at least partly overlaps in time with a duration the        SS Burst Set would have had if all possible SSB beams were        utilized;    -   a PO that does not have enough guard time between the PO and a        closest SS Burst Set;    -   a PO that does not have enough guard time between the PO and the        closest SS Burst Set if all of the SSB beams were utilized;    -   a PO in which at least one Physical Downlink Control Channel        (PDCCH) monitoring occasion at least partly overlaps in time        with an SSB transmission;    -   a PO in which at least one PDCCH monitoring occasion overlaps in        time with a slot containing an SSB transmission;    -   a PO in which at least one PDCCH monitoring occasion is located        in the same slot as at least one SSB transmission;    -   a PO in which at least one PDCCH monitoring occasion is located        in a slot that overlaps in time with a slot containing at least        one SSB transmission; and    -   a PO in which at least one resource element for a PDCCH        candidate of at least one PDCCH monitoring occasion overlaps        with at least one resource element corresponding to an SSB        transmission.

In a particular embodiment, the wireless device may transmit capabilityinformation to a network node for determining that the PO configured forthe wireless device in the DRX cycle is problematic. In a furtherparticular embodiment, the capability information may include one ormore of:

-   -   information indicating that the wireless device in the DRX cycle        is capable of receiving a paging transmission        frequency-multiplexed with an SSB transmission;    -   information indicating that the wireless device in the DRX cycle        is incapable of receiving a paging transmission        frequency-multiplexed with an SSB transmission;    -   information indicating that the wireless device in the DRX cycle        is bandwidth limited;    -   information indicating that the wireless device in the DRX cycle        is not bandwidth limited;    -   information indicating that the wireless device in the DRX cycle        is capable of receiving transmissions with different subcarrier        spacings simultaneously;    -   information indicating that the wireless device in the DRX cycle        is incapable of receiving transmissions with different        subcarrier spacings simultaneously; and    -   information indicating how long the wireless device in the DRX        cycle is capable of maintaining valid synchronization.

In a particular embodiment, the wireless device in the DRX cycle is notcapable of receiving both an SSB transmission and a paging transmissionsimultaneously when the SSB transmission and the paging transmission arefrequency-multiplexed.

In a particular embodiment, the one or more criteria comprise one ormore rules for reallocating POs.

FIG. 15 illustrates a schematic block diagram of a virtual apparatus1300 in a wireless network (for example, the wireless network shown inFIG. 1 ). The apparatus may be implemented in a wireless device (e.g.,wireless device 110 shown in FIG. 1 ). Virtual apparatus 1300 isoperable to carry out the example method described with reference toFIG. 12 and possibly any other processes or methods disclosed herein. Itis also to be understood that the method of FIG. 12 is not necessarilycarried out solely by virtual apparatus 1300. At least some operationsof the method can be performed by one or more other entities.

Virtual Apparatus 1300 may comprise processing circuitry, which mayinclude one or more microprocessor or microcontrollers, as well as otherdigital hardware, which may include digital signal processors (DSPs),special-purpose digital logic, and the like. The processing circuitrymay be configured to execute program code stored in memory, which mayinclude one or several types of memory such as read-only memory (ROM),random-access memory, cache memory, flash memory devices, opticalstorage devices, etc. Program code stored in memory includes programinstructions for executing one or more telecommunications and/or datacommunications protocols as well as instructions for carrying out one ormore of the techniques described herein, in several embodiments. In someimplementations, the processing circuitry may be used to causedetermining unit 1302, receiving unit 1304, and communication unit 1306,and any other suitable units of virtual apparatus 1300 to performcorresponding functions according one or more embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

As illustrated in FIG. 15 , virtual apparatus 1300 includes determiningunit 1302, receiving unit 1304, and communication unit 1306. Determiningunit 1302 may perform the processing functions of virtual apparatus1300. For example, determining unit 1302 may be configured to determinethat a PO configured for the wireless device in the DRX cycle isproblematic. As another example, determining unit 1302 may be configuredto select a non-problematic PO based on one or more criteria. As stillanother example, determining unit 1302 may be configured to monitor forone or more paging messages during the selected non-problematic PO.

In certain embodiments, determining unit 1302 may be configured toremove the PO that is problematic from the set of POs configured for thewireless devices in the DRX cycle and indexing one or more POs remainingin the set of POs configured for the wireless devices after the PO thatis problematic has been removed. Determining unit 1302 may select anindexed PO based on the one or more criteria.

In certain embodiments, determining unit 1302 may be configured to indexthe one or more POs. For example, determining unit 1302 may beconfigured to index the one or more POs includes indexing the one ormore POs remaining in the set of POs by index i, wherein i=0, 1, . . .P−1, and P equals a number of POs remaining after the PO that isproblematic has been removed. In a further particular embodiment,determining unit 1302 may be configured to select an indexed PO thatsatisfies i=UE ID mod P, wherein the UE_ID includes an InternationalMobile Subscriber Identity or a 5G-S-Temporary Mobile SubscriberIdentity.

In certain embodiments, determining unit 1302 may be configured toselect a first subsequent non-problematic PO after the PO that isproblematic. In another embodiment, determining unit 1302 may beconfigured to select a closest preceding non-problematic PO after the POthat is problematic.

In certain embodiments, determining unit 1302 may be configured to applya hashing algorithm to an identifier associated with the wireless deviceand selecting the non-problematic PO based on an output of the hashingalgorithm. In a further embodiment, the output of the hashing algorithmincludes an index of the selected non-problematic PO.

As still another example, determining unit 1302 may be configured tomonitor for one or more paging messages during the selectednon-problematic PO.

As yet another example, determining unit 1102 may be configured toprovide user data.

Receiving unit 1104 may perform the receiving functions of apparatus1100. For example, receiving unit 1104 may be configured to receivesystem information from a network node indicating a set of POsconfigured for wireless devices in a DRX cycle and determines a POallocated to the wireless device in the set of POs.

Communication unit 1106 may perform the transmitting functions ofapparatus 1100. For example, communication unit 1106 may be configuredto transmit capability information to a network node for determiningthat the PO configured for the wireless device is problematic. Asanother example, communication unit 1106 may be configured to forwardthe user data to a host computer via the transmission to the basestation.

The term unit may have conventional meaning in the field of electronics,electrical devices and/or electronic devices and may include, forexample, electrical and/or electronic circuitry, devices, modules,processors, memories, logic solid state and/or discrete devices,computer programs or instructions for carrying out respective tasks,procedures, computations, outputs, and/or displaying functions, and soon, as such as those that are described herein.

FIG. 16 depicts a method performed by a network node for POreallocation, in accordance with particular embodiments. The methodbegins at step 1402, where the network node determines that a set of POsconfigured for a wireless device comprises one or more problematic POs.

In certain embodiments, the method may comprise transmitting systeminformation indicating the set of POs configured for the wirelessdevice.

In certain embodiments, the wireless device may not capable of receivingboth an SSB transmission and a paging transmission simultaneously whenthe SSB transmission and the paging transmission arefrequency-multiplexed.

In certain embodiments, the method may comprise receiving capabilityinformation from the wireless device. In certain embodiments,determining that the set of POs configured for the wireless devicecomprises one or more problematic POs may comprise: determining that theset of POs configured for the wireless device comprises one or moreproblematic POs based on the received capability information. In certainembodiments, the capability information may comprise one or more of:information indicating that the wireless device is capable of receivinga paging transmission frequency-multiplexed with an SSB transmission;information indicating that the wireless device is incapable ofreceiving a paging transmission frequency-multiplexed with an SSBtransmission; information indicating that the wireless device isbandwidth limited; information indicating that the wireless device isnot bandwidth limited; information indicating that the wireless deviceis capable of receiving transmissions with different subcarrier spacingsimultaneously; information indicating that the wireless device isincapable of receiving transmissions with different subcarrier spacingsimultaneously; and information indicating how long the wireless deviceis capable of maintaining valid synchronization.

In certain embodiments, the one or more problematic POs may comprise aPO that is frequency-multiplexed with an SS Burst Set. In certainembodiments, the one or more problematic POs may comprise a PO thatcoincides with or partly overlaps with an SS Burst Set. In certainembodiments, the PO that coincides with or partly overlaps with the SSBurst Set may comprise one or more of: a PO that at least partlyoverlaps with an SS Burst Set in a time domain; a PO that at leastpartly overlaps in time with a duration the SS Burst Set would have hadif all possible SSB beams were utilized; a PO that does not have enoughguard time between the PO and a closest SS Burst Set; a PO that does nothave enough guard time between the PO and the closest SS Burst Set ifall of the SSB beams were utilized; a PO in which at least one PhysicalDownlink Control Channel (PDCCH) monitoring occasion at least partlyoverlaps in time with an SSB transmission; a PO in which at least onePDCCH monitoring occasion overlaps in time with a slot containing an SSBtransmission; a PO in which at least one PDCCH monitoring occasion islocated in the same slot as at least one SSB transmission; a PO in whichat least one PDCCH monitoring occasion is located in a slot thatoverlaps in time with a slot containing at least one SSB transmission;and a PO in which at least one resource element for a PDCCH candidate ofat least one PDCCH monitoring occasion overlaps with at least oneresource element corresponding to an SSB transmission.

At step 1404, the network node selects a non-problematic PO based on oneor more criteria. In certain embodiments, the one or more criteria maycomprise one or more rules for reallocating POs.

In certain embodiments, selecting the non-problematic PO based on one ormore criteria may comprise: removing the one or more problematic POsfrom the set of POs configured for the wireless device; indexing one ormore POs remaining in the set of POs configured for the wireless deviceafter the one or more problematic POs have been removed; and selectingan indexed PO based on one or more criteria. In certain embodiments,indexing the one or more POs remaining in the set of POs configured forthe wireless device after the one or more problematic POs have beenremoved may comprise indexing the one or more POs remaining in the setof POs by index i, wherein i=0, 1, . . . P−1, and P equals a number ofPOs remaining after the one or more problematic POs have been removed.In certain embodiments, selecting the indexed PO based on one or morecriteria may comprise: selecting an indexed PO that satisfies i=UE_IDmod P, wherein the UE_ID comprises one of: an International MobileSubscriber Identity; and an S-Temporary Mobile Subscriber Identity.

In certain embodiments, selecting the non-problematic PO based on one ormore criteria may comprise selecting a first subsequent non-problematicPO.

In certain embodiments, selecting the non-problematic PO based on one ormore criteria may comprise selecting a closest preceding non-problematicPO.

In certain embodiments, selecting the non-problematic PO based on one ormore criteria may comprise: applying a hashing algorithm to anidentifier associated with the wireless device; and selecting thenon-problematic PO based on an output of the hashing algorithm. Incertain embodiments, the method may comprise indexing one or morenon-problematic POs, wherein the output of the hashing algorithmcomprises an index of the selected non-problematic PO.

In certain embodiments, the method may comprise transmitting a pagingmessage for the wireless device during the selected non-problematic PO.

In certain embodiments, the method may comprise: obtaining user data;and forwarding the user data to a host computer or a wireless device.

FIG. 17 illustrates a schematic block diagram of an virtual apparatus1500 in a wireless network (for example, the wireless network shown inFIG. 1 ). The apparatus may be implemented in a network node (e.g.,network node 160 shown in FIG. 1 ). Apparatus 1500 is operable to carryout the example method described with reference to FIG. 16 and possiblyany other processes or methods disclosed herein. It is also to beunderstood that the method of FIG. 16 is not necessarily carried outsolely by apparatus 1500. At least some operations of the method can beperformed by one or more other entities.

Virtual Apparatus 1500 may comprise processing circuitry, which mayinclude one or more microprocessor or microcontrollers, as well as otherdigital hardware, which may include digital signal processors (DSPs),special-purpose digital logic, and the like. The processing circuitrymay be configured to execute program code stored in memory, which mayinclude one or several types of memory such as read-only memory (ROM),random-access memory, cache memory, flash memory devices, opticalstorage devices, etc. Program code stored in memory includes programinstructions for executing one or more telecommunications and/or datacommunications protocols as well as instructions for carrying out one ormore of the techniques described herein, in several embodiments. In someimplementations, the processing circuitry may be used to causedetermining unit 1502, receiving unit 1504, and communication unit 1506,and any other suitable units of apparatus 1500 to perform correspondingfunctions according one or more embodiments of the present disclosure.

As illustrated in FIG. 17 , apparatus 1500 includes determining unit1502, receiving unit 1504, and communication unit 1506. Determining unit1502 may perform the processing functions of apparatus 1500. Forexample, determining unit 1502 may be configured to determine that a setof POs configured for a wireless device comprises one or moreproblematic POs. As another example, determining unit 1502 may beconfigured to select a non-problematic PO based on one or more criteria.

In certain embodiments, determining unit 1502 may be configured to:remove the one or more problematic POs from the set of POs configuredfor the wireless device; index one or more POs remaining in the set ofPOs configured for the wireless device after the one or more problematicPOs have been removed; and select an indexed PO based on one or morecriteria. In certain embodiments, determining unit 1502 may beconfigured to index the one or more problematic POs by index i, whereini=0, 1, . . . P−1, and P equals a number of POs remaining after the oneor more problematic POs have been removed. In certain embodiments,determining unit 1502 may be configured to select an indexed PO thatsatisfies i=UE_ID mod P, wherein the UE_ID comprises one of: anInternational Mobile Subscriber Identity; and an S-Temporary MobileSubscriber Identity.

In certain embodiments, determining unit 1502 may be configured toselect a first subsequent non-problematic PO. In certain embodiments,determining unit 1502 may be configured to select a closest precedingnon-problematic PO.

In certain embodiments, determining unit 1502 may be configured to:apply a hashing algorithm to an identifier associated with the wirelessdevice; and select the non-problematic PO based on an output of thehashing algorithm. In certain embodiments, determining unit 1502 may beconfigured to index one or more non-problematic POs, wherein the outputof the hashing algorithm comprises an index of the selectednon-problematic PO.

As still another example, determining unit 1502 may be configured todetermine that the set of POs configured for the wireless devicecomprises one or more problematic POs based on received capabilityinformation.

As yet another example, determining unit 1502 may be configured toobtain user data.

Receiving unit 1504 may perform the receiving functions of apparatus1500. For example, receiving unit 1504 may be configured to receivecapability information from the wireless device. As another example,receiving unit 1504 may be configured to obtain user data.

Communication unit 1506 may perform the transmitting functions ofapparatus 1500. For example, communication unit 1506 may be configuredto transmit a paging message for the wireless device during the selectednon-problematic PO. As another example, communication unit 1506 may beconfigured to transmit system information indicating the set of POsconfigured for the wireless device. As still another example,communication unit 1506 may be configured to forward the user data to ahost computer or a wireless device.

The term unit may have conventional meaning in the field of electronics,electrical devices and/or electronic devices and may include, forexample, electrical and/or electronic circuitry, devices, modules,processors, memories, logic solid state and/or discrete devices,computer programs or instructions for carrying out respective tasks,procedures, computations, outputs, and/or displaying functions, and soon, as such as those that are described herein.

FIG. 18 depicts a method performed by a network node for PO allocation,in accordance with particular embodiments. The method begins at step1602, where the network node determines that a PO configured for awireless device is problematic. At step 1604, the network node selects anon-problematic PO based on one or more criteria. At step 1606, thenetwork node transmits a paging message for the wireless device duringthe selected non-problematic PO.

In certain embodiments, the method may include transmitting systeminformation to the wireless device indicating a set of POs configuredfor wireless devices in a DRX cycle. In a further embodiment, thenon-problematic PO may be selected from the set of POs configured forthe wireless devices in the DRX cycle.

In a further particular embodiments, selecting the non-problematic PObased on the one or more criteria may include removing the PO that isproblematic from the set of POs configured for the wireless devices inthe DRX cycle and indexing one or more POs remaining in the set of POsconfigured for the wireless devices in the DRX cycle after the PO thatis problematic has been removed. An indexed PO may be selected based onthe one or more criteria.

In a further particular embodiment, indexing the one or more POs mayinclude indexing the one or more POs remaining in the set of POs byindex i, wherein i=0, 1, . . . P−1, and P equals a number of POsremaining after the PO that is problematic has been removed.

In a further particular embodiment, selecting the indexed PO may includeselecting an indexed PO that satisfies i=UE_ID mod P, wherein the UE_IDincludes an International Mobile Subscriber Identity or a 5G-S-TemporaryMobile Subscriber Identity.

In certain embodiments, selecting the non-problematic PO includesselecting a first subsequent non-problematic PO after the PO that isproblematic. In other embodiments, selecting the non-problematic PO mayinclude selecting a closest preceding non-problematic PO after the POthat is problematic.

In certain embodiments, selecting the non-problematic PO n based on theone or more criteria includes applying a hashing algorithm to anidentifier associated with the wireless device and selecting thenon-problematic PO based on an output of the hashing algorithm.

In certain embodiments, the method may include indexing one or morenon-problematic POs, wherein the output of the hashing algorithmcomprises an index of the selected non-problematic PO.

In certain embodiments, the PO that is problematic comprises a PO thatis frequency-multiplexed with an SS Burst Set.

In certain embodiments, the PO that is problematic comprises a PO thatcoincides with or partly overlaps with an SS Burst Set. In a furtherparticular embodiment, the PO that coincides with or partly overlapswith the SS Burst Set comprises one or more of:

-   -   a PO that at least partly overlaps with an SS Burst Set in a        time domain;    -   a PO that at least partly overlaps in time with a duration the        SS Burst Set would have had if all possible SSB beams were        utilized;    -   a PO that does not have enough guard time between the PO and a        closest SS Burst Set;    -   a PO that does not have enough guard time between the PO and the        closest SS Burst Set if all of the SSB beams were utilized;    -   a PO in which at least one Physical Downlink Control Channel        (PDCCH) monitoring occasion at least partly overlaps in time        with an SSB transmission;    -   a PO in which at least one PDCCH monitoring occasion overlaps in        time with a slot containing an SSB transmission;    -   a PO in which at least one PDCCH monitoring occasion is located        in the same slot as at least one SSB transmission;    -   a PO in which at least one PDCCH monitoring occasion is located        in a slot that overlaps in time with a slot containing at least        one SSB transmission; and    -   a PO in which at least one resource element for a PDCCH        candidate of at least one PDCCH monitoring occasion overlaps        with at least one resource element corresponding to an SSB        transmission.

In certain embodiments, the method further includes receiving capabilityinformation from the wireless device for determining that the POconfigured for the wireless device in the DRX cycle is problematic. In afurther particular embodiment, the capability information comprises oneor more of:

-   -   information indicating that the wireless device in the DRX cycle        is capable of receiving a paging transmission        frequency-multiplexed with an SSB transmission;    -   information indicating that the wireless device in the DRX cycle        is incapable of receiving a paging transmission        frequency-multiplexed with an SSB transmission;    -   information indicating that the wireless device in the DRX cycle        is bandwidth limited;    -   information indicating that the wireless device in the DRX cycle        is not bandwidth limited;    -   information indicating that the wireless device in the DRX cycle        is capable of receiving transmissions with different subcarrier        spacings simultaneously;    -   information indicating that the wireless device in the DRX cycle        is incapable of receiving transmissions with different        subcarrier spacings simultaneously; and    -   information indicating how long the wireless device in the DRX        cycle is capable of maintaining valid synchronization.

In certain embodiment, the wireless device in the DRX cycle is notcapable of receiving both an SSB transmission and a paging transmissionsimultaneously when the SSB transmission and the paging transmission arefrequency-multiplexed.

In certain embodiments, the one or more criteria comprise one or morerules for reallocating POs.

In certain embodiments, the method may comprise: obtaining user data;and forwarding the user data to a host computer or a wireless device.

FIG. 19 illustrates a schematic block diagram of an virtual apparatus1700 in a wireless network (for example, the wireless network shown inFIG. 1 ). The apparatus may be implemented in a network node (e.g.,network node 160 shown in FIG. 1 ). Virtual apparatus 1700 is operableto carry out the example method described with reference to FIG. 18 andpossibly any other processes or methods disclosed herein. It is also tobe understood that the method of FIG. 18 is not necessarily carried outsolely by virtual apparatus 1700. At least some operations of the methodcan be performed by one or more other entities.

Virtual Apparatus 1700 may comprise processing circuitry, which mayinclude one or more microprocessor or microcontrollers, as well as otherdigital hardware, which may include digital signal processors (DSPs),special-purpose digital logic, and the like. The processing circuitrymay be configured to execute program code stored in memory, which mayinclude one or several types of memory such as read-only memory (ROM),random-access memory, cache memory, flash memory devices, opticalstorage devices, etc. Program code stored in memory includes programinstructions for executing one or more telecommunications and/or datacommunications protocols as well as instructions for carrying out one ormore of the techniques described herein, in several embodiments. In someimplementations, the processing circuitry may be used to causedetermining unit 1702, receiving unit 1704, and communication unit 1706,and any other suitable units of virtual apparatus 1700 to performcorresponding functions according one or more embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

As illustrated in FIG. 19 , virtual apparatus 1700 includes determiningunit 1702, receiving unit 1704, and communication unit 1706. Determiningunit 1702 may perform the processing functions of virtual apparatus1700. For example, determining unit 1702 may be configured to determinethat a PO configured for a wireless device in a DRX cycle isproblematic. As another example, determining unit 1702 may be configuredto select a non-problematic PO based on one or more criteria.

In certain embodiments, determining unit 1702 may be configured toremove the PO that is problematic from the set of POs configured for thewireless devices in the DRX cycle and indexing one or more POs remainingin the set of POs configured for the wireless devices in the DRX cycleafter the PO that is problematic has been removed. An indexed PO may beselected based on the one or more criteria.

In certain embodiments, determining unit 1702 may be configured toindexing the one or more POs remaining in the set of POs by index i,wherein i=0, 1, . . . P−1, and P equals a number of POs remaining afterthe PO that is problematic has been removed. As still another example,determining unit 1702 may be configured to select an indexed PO thatsatisfies i=UE_ID mod P, wherein the UE_ID includes an InternationalMobile Subscriber Identity or a 5G-S-Temporary Mobile SubscriberIdentity.

In certain embodiments, determining unit 1502 may be configured toselect the non-problematic PO includes selecting a first subsequentnon-problematic PO after the PO that is problematic. In otherembodiments, determining unit 1502 may be configured to select thenon-problematic PO may include selecting a closest precedingnon-problematic PO after the PO that is problematic.

As still another example, determining unit 1502 may be configured toapply a hashing algorithm to an identifier associated with the wirelessdevice and select the non-problematic PO based on an output of thehashing algorithm.

As still another example, determining unit 1502 may be configured toindex one or more non-problematic POs, wherein the output of the hashingalgorithm comprises an index of the selected non-problematic PO.

As yet another example, determining unit 1502 may be configured toobtain user data.

Receiving unit 1704 may perform the receiving functions of virtualapparatus 1700. For example, receiving unit 1704 may be configured toreceive capability information from the wireless device. As anotherexample, receiving unit 1504 may be configured to obtain user data.

Communication unit 1706 may perform the transmitting functions ofvirtual apparatus 1700. For example, communication unit 1706 may beconfigured to transmit a paging message for the wireless device in theDRX cycle during the selected non-problematic PO. As another example,communication unit 1706 may be configured to transmit system informationindicating a set of POs configured for the wireless device in the DRXcycle. As still another example, communication unit 1706 may beconfigured to forward the user data to a host computer or a wirelessdevice.

As still another example, communication unit 1706 may be configured toreceive capability information from the wireless device for determiningthat the PO configured for the wireless device in the DRX cycle isproblematic.

The term unit may have conventional meaning in the field of electronics,electrical devices and/or electronic devices and may include, forexample, electrical and/or electronic circuitry, devices, modules,processors, memories, logic solid state and/or discrete devices,computer programs or instructions for carrying out respective tasks,procedures, computations, outputs, and/or displaying functions, and soon, as such as those that are described herein.

EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

According to one example embodiment, a method performed by a wirelessdevice is disclosed. The method comprises determining that a set of POsconfigured for the wireless device comprises one or more problematicPOs. The method comprises selecting a non-problematic PO based on one ormore criteria.

In certain embodiments, the method may comprise monitoring for one ormore paging messages during the selected non-problematic PO. In certainembodiments, the method may comprise receiving system informationindicating the set of POs configured for the wireless device.

In certain embodiments, selecting the non-problematic PO based on one ormore criteria may comprise: removing the one or more problematic POsfrom the set of POs configured for the wireless device; indexing one ormore POs remaining in the set of POs configured for the wireless deviceafter the one or more problematic POs have been removed; and selectingan indexed PO based on one or more criteria. In certain embodiments,indexing the one or more POs remaining in the set of POs configured forthe wireless device after the one or more problematic POs have beenremoved may comprise indexing the one or more POs remaining in the setof POs by index i, wherein i=0, 1, . . . P−1, and P equals a number ofPOs remaining after the one or more problematic POs have been removed.In certain embodiments, selecting the indexed PO based on one or morecriteria may comprise selecting an indexed PO that satisfies i=UE_ID modP, wherein the UE_ID comprises one of: an International MobileSubscriber Identity; and an S-Temporary Mobile Subscriber Identity.

In certain embodiments, selecting the non-problematic PO based on one ormore criteria may comprise selecting a first subsequent non-problematicPO.

In certain embodiments, selecting the non-problematic PO based on one ormore criteria may comprise selecting a closest preceding non-problematicPO.

In certain embodiments, selecting the non-problematic PO based on one ormore criteria may comprise: applying a hashing algorithm to anidentifier associated with the wireless device; and selecting thenon-problematic PO based on an output of the hashing algorithm. Incertain embodiments, the method may comprise indexing one or morenon-problematic POs, wherein the output of the hashing algorithmcomprises an index of the selected non-problematic PO.

In certain embodiments, the one or more problematic POs may comprise aPO that is frequency-multiplexed with an SS Burst Set. In certainembodiments, the one or more problematic POs may comprise a PO thatcoincides with or partly overlaps with an SS Burst Set. In certainembodiments, the PO that coincides with or partly overlaps with the SSBurst Set may comprise one or more of: a PO that at least partlyoverlaps with an SS Burst Set in a time domain; a PO that at leastpartly overlaps in time with a duration the SS Burst Set would have hadif all possible SSB beams were utilized; a PO that does not have enoughguard time between the PO and a closest SS Burst Set; a PO that does nothave enough guard time between the PO and the closest SS Burst Set ifall of the SSB beams were utilized; a PO in which at least one PhysicalDownlink Control Channel (PDCCH) monitoring occasion at least partlyoverlaps in time with an SSB transmission; a PO in which at least onePDCCH monitoring occasion overlaps in time with a slot containing an SSBtransmission; a PO in which at least one PDCCH monitoring occasion islocated in the same slot as at least one SSB transmission; a PO in whichat least one PDCCH monitoring occasion is located in a slot thatoverlaps in time with a slot containing at least one SSB transmission;and a PO in which at least one resource element for a PDCCH candidate ofat least one PDCCH monitoring occasion overlaps with at least oneresource element corresponding to an SSB transmission.

In certain embodiments, the method may comprise transmitting capabilityinformation to a network node. In certain embodiments, the capabilityinformation may be for use by the network node to determine that the setof POs configured for the wireless device comprises one or moreproblematic POs. In certain embodiments, the capability information maycomprise one or more of: information indicating that the wireless deviceis capable of receiving a paging transmission frequency-multiplexed withan SSB transmission; information indicating that the wireless device isincapable of receiving a paging transmission frequency-multiplexed withan SSB transmission; information indicating that the wireless device isbandwidth limited; information indicating that the wireless device isnot bandwidth limited; information indicating that the wireless deviceis capable of receiving transmissions with different subcarrier spacingsimultaneously; information indicating that the wireless device isincapable of receiving transmissions with different subcarrier spacingsimultaneously; and information indicating how long the wireless deviceis capable of maintaining valid synchronization.

In certain embodiments, the wireless device may not be capable ofreceiving both an SSB transmission and a paging transmissionsimultaneously when the SSB transmission and the paging transmission arefrequency-multiplexed. In certain embodiments, the one or more criteriamay comprise one or more rules for reallocating POs.

In certain embodiments, the method may comprise: providing user data;and forwarding the user data to a host computer via the transmission tothe base station.

According to another example embodiment, a method in a network node isdisclosed. The method comprises determining that a set of POs configuredfor a wireless device comprises one or more problematic POs. The methodcomprises selecting a non-problematic PO based on one or more criteria.

In certain embodiments, the method may comprise transmitting a pagingmessage for the wireless device during the selected non-problematic PO.In certain embodiments, the method may comprise transmitting systeminformation indicating the set of POs configured for the wirelessdevice.

In certain embodiments, selecting the non-problematic PO based on one ormore criteria may comprise: removing the one or more problematic POsfrom the set of POs configured for the wireless device; indexing one ormore POs remaining in the set of POs configured for the wireless deviceafter the one or more problematic POs have been removed; and selectingan indexed PO based on one or more criteria. In certain embodiments,indexing the one or more POs remaining in the set of POs configured forthe wireless device after the one or more problematic POs have beenremoved may comprise indexing the one or more POs remaining in the setof POs by index i, wherein i=0, 1, . . . P−1, and P equals a number ofPOs remaining after the one or more problematic POs have been removed.In certain embodiments, selecting the indexed PO based on one or morecriteria may comprise: selecting an indexed PO that satisfies i=UE_IDmod P, wherein the UE_ID comprises one of: an International MobileSubscriber Identity; and an S-Temporary Mobile Subscriber Identity.

In certain embodiments, selecting the non-problematic PO based on one ormore criteria may comprise selecting a first subsequent non-problematicPO.

In certain embodiments, selecting the non-problematic PO based on one ormore criteria may comprise selecting a closest preceding non-problematicPO.

In certain embodiments, selecting the non-problematic PO based on one ormore criteria may comprise: applying a hashing algorithm to anidentifier associated with the wireless device; and selecting thenon-problematic PO based on an output of the hashing algorithm. Incertain embodiments, the method may comprise indexing one or morenon-problematic POs, wherein the output of the hashing algorithmcomprises an index of the selected non-problematic PO.

In certain embodiments, the one or more problematic POs may comprise aPO that is frequency-multiplexed with an SS Burst Set. In certainembodiments, the one or more problematic POs may comprise a PO thatcoincides with or partly overlaps with an SS Burst Set. In certainembodiments, the PO that coincides with or partly overlaps with the SSBurst Set may comprise one or more of: a PO that at least partlyoverlaps with an SS Burst Set in a time domain; a PO that at leastpartly overlaps in time with a duration the SS Burst Set would have hadif all possible SSB beams were utilized; a PO that does not have enoughguard time between the PO and a closest SS Burst Set; a PO that does nothave enough guard time between the PO and the closest SS Burst Set ifall of the SSB beams were utilized; a PO in which at least one PhysicalDownlink Control Channel (PDCCH) monitoring occasion at least partlyoverlaps in time with an SSB transmission; a PO in which at least onePDCCH monitoring occasion overlaps in time with a slot containing an SSBtransmission; a PO in which at least one PDCCH monitoring occasion islocated in the same slot as at least one SSB transmission; a PO in whichat least one PDCCH monitoring occasion is located in a slot thatoverlaps in time with a slot containing at least one SSB transmission;and a PO in which at least one resource element for a PDCCH candidate ofat least one PDCCH monitoring occasion overlaps with at least oneresource element corresponding to an SSB transmission.

In certain embodiments, the method may comprise receiving capabilityinformation from the wireless device. In certain embodiments,determining that the set of POs configured for the wireless devicecomprises one or more problematic POs may comprise: determining that theset of POs configured for the wireless device comprises one or moreproblematic POs based on the received capability information. In certainembodiments, the capability information may comprise one or more of:information indicating that the wireless device is capable of receivinga paging transmission frequency-multiplexed with an SSB transmission;information indicating that the wireless device is incapable ofreceiving a paging transmission frequency-multiplexed with an SSBtransmission; information indicating that the wireless device isbandwidth limited; information indicating that the wireless device isnot bandwidth limited; information indicating that the wireless deviceis capable of receiving transmissions with different subcarrier spacingsimultaneously; information indicating that the wireless device isincapable of receiving transmissions with different subcarrier spacingsimultaneously; and information indicating how long the wireless deviceis capable of maintaining valid synchronization.

In certain embodiments, the wireless device may not be capable ofreceiving both an SSB transmission and a paging transmissionsimultaneously when the SSB transmission and the paging transmission arefrequency-multiplexed.

In certain embodiments, the one or more criteria may comprise one ormore rules for reallocating POs.

In certain embodiments, the method may comprise: obtaining user data;and forwarding the user data to a host computer or a wireless device.

Abbreviations

At least some of the following abbreviations may be used in thisdisclosure. If there is an inconsistency between abbreviations,preference should be given to how it is used above. If listed multipletimes below, the first listing should be preferred over any subsequentlisting(s).

1×RTT CDMA2000 1×Radio Transmission Technology

-   -   3GPP 3rd Generation Partnership Project    -   5G 5th Generation    -   5GC 5G Core Network    -   5G-S-TMSIThe temporary identifier used in NR as a replacement of        the S-TMSI in LTE.    -   ABS Almost Blank Subframe    -   AMF Access and Mobility Function    -   ARQ Automatic Repeat Request    -   ASN.1 Abstract Syntax Notation One    -   AWGN Additive White Gaussian Noise    -   BCCH Broadcast Control Channel    -   BCH Broadcast Channel    -   BWP Bandwidth Part    -   CA Carrier Aggregation    -   CC Carrier Component    -   CCCH SDU Common Control Channel SDU    -   CDMA Code Division Multiplexing Access    -   CGI Cell Global Identifier    -   CIR Channel Impulse Response    -   CMAS Commercial Mobile Alert System    -   CN Core Network    -   CORESET Control Resource Set    -   CP Cyclic Prefix    -   CPICH Common Pilot Channel    -   CPICH Ec/NoCPICH Received energy per chip divided by the power        density in the band    -   CQI Channel Quality information    -   C-RNTI Cell RNTI    -   CRC Cyclic Redundancy check    -   CRS Cell Specific Reference Signal    -   CSI Channel State Information    -   DCCH Dedicated Control Channel    -   DCI Downlink Control Information    -   div Notation indicating integer division    -   DL Downlink    -   DM Demodulation    -   DMRS Demodulation Reference Signal    -   DRX Discontinuous Reception    -   DTX Discontinuous Transmission    -   DTCH Dedicated Traffic Channel    -   DUT Device Under Test    -   E-CID Enhanced Cell-ID (positioning method)    -   eDRX Extended DRX    -   E-SMLC Evolved-Serving Mobile Location Centre    -   ECGI Evolved CGI    -   eNB Evolved NodeB/E-UTRAN NodeB    -   ePDCCH enhanced Physical Downlink Control Channel    -   E-SMLC evolved Serving Mobile Location Center    -   ETWS Earthquake and Tsunami Warning System    -   E-UTRA Evolved UTRA    -   E-UTRAN Evolved UTRAN    -   FDD Frequency Division Duplex    -   FFS For Further Study    -   GERAN GSM EDGE Radio Access Network    -   GHz Gigahertz    -   gNB The term for a radio base station in NR (corresponding to        eNB in LTE)    -   GNSS Global Navigation Satellite System    -   GSM Global System for Mobile communication    -   HARQ Hybrid Automatic Repeat Request    -   HO Handover    -   HSPA High Speed Packet Access    -   HRPD High Rate Packet Data    -   ID Identity/Identifier    -   IMSI International Mobile Subscriber Identity    -   LOS Line of Sight    -   LPP LTE Positioning Protocol    -   LTE Long-Term Evolution    -   MAC Medium Access Control    -   MBMS Multimedia Broadcast Multicast Services    -   MB SFN Multimedia Broadcast multicast service Single Frequency        Network    -   MBSFN ABS MBSFN Almost Blank Subframe    -   MDT Minimization of Drive Tests    -   MIB Master Information Block    -   mod Modulo    -   MME Mobility Management Entity    -   MS Millisecond    -   MSC Mobile Switching Center    -   MSI Minimum System Information    -   NAS Non-Access Stratum    -   NPDCCH Narrowband Physical Downlink Control Channel    -   NG The interface between NG-RAN and 5GC    -   NG-RAN Next Generation Radio Access Network (the 3GPP 5G RAN)    -   NR New Radio (The term used for the 5G radio interface and radio        access network in the technical reports and standard        specifications 3GPP are working on).    -   OCNG OFDMA Channel Noise Generator    -   OFDM Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplex    -   OFDMA Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiple Access    -   OSI Other System Information    -   OSS Operations Support System    -   OTDOA Observed Time Difference of Arrival    -   O&M Operation and Maintenance    -   PBCH Physical Broadcast Channel    -   P-CCPCH Primary Common Control Physical Channel    -   PCell Primary Cell    -   PCFICH Physical Control Format Indicator Channel    -   PCI Physical Cell Identity    -   PDCCH Physical Downlink Control Channel    -   PDP Profile Delay Profile    -   PDSCH Physical Downlink Shared Channel    -   PF Paging Frame    -   PGW Packet Gateway    -   PHICH Physical Hybrid-ARQ Indicator Channel    -   PLMN Public Land Mobile Network    -   PMI Precoder Matrix Indicator    -   PO Paging Occasion    -   PRACH Physical Random Access Channel    -   PRB Physical Resource Block    -   P-RNTI Paging RNTI    -   PRS Positioning Reference Signal    -   PSS Primary Synchronization Signal    -   PUCCH Physical Uplink Control Channel    -   PUSCH Physical Uplink Shared Channel    -   RACH Random Access Channel    -   QAM Quadrature Amplitude Modulation    -   QCL Quasi Co-Located    -   RAN Radio Access Network    -   RAT Radio Access Technology    -   RLM Radio Link Management    -   RMSI Remaining Minimum System Information    -   RNA RAN Notification Area    -   RNC Radio Network Controller    -   RNTI Radio Network Temporary Identifier    -   RRC Radio Resource Control    -   RRM Radio Resource Management    -   RS Reference Signal    -   RSCP Received Signal Code Power    -   RSRP Reference Symbol Received Power OR Reference Signal        Received Power    -   RSRQ Reference Signal Received Quality OR Reference Symbol        Received Quality    -   RSSI Received Signal Strength Indicator    -   RSTD Reference Signal Time Difference    -   SCH Synchronization Channel    -   SCell Secondary Cell    -   SCS Subcarrier Spacing    -   SDU Service Data Unit    -   SFN System Frame Number    -   SGW Serving Gateway    -   SI System Information    -   SIB System Information Block    -   SIB1 System Information Block type 1    -   SNR Signal to Noise Ratio    -   SON Self Optimized Network    -   SS Synchronization Signal    -   SSS Secondary Synchronization Signal    -   S-TMSI S-Temporary Mobile Subscriber Identity    -   TDD Time Division Duplex    -   TDOA Time Difference of Arrival    -   TOA Time of Arrival    -   TRP Transmission/Reception Point    -   TS Technical Specification    -   TSG Technical Specification Group    -   TSS Tertiary Synchronization Signal    -   TTI Transmission Time Interval    -   TX Transmission/Transmit/Transmitter    -   UE User Equipment    -   UL Uplink    -   UMTS Universal Mobile Telecommunication System    -   UPF User Plane Function    -   USIM Universal Subscriber Identity Module    -   UTDOA Uplink Time Difference of Arrival    -   UTRA Universal Terrestrial Radio Access    -   UTRAN Universal Terrestrial Radio Access Network    -   WCDMA Wide CDMA    -   WG Working Group    -   WLAN Wide Local Area Network

The invention claimed is:
 1. A method performed by a wireless device forpaging occasion (PO) allocation, the method comprising: receiving systeminformation from a network node indicating a set of POs configured forwireless devices in a Discontinuous Reception (DRX) cycle; selecting afirst PO configured for the wireless device in the set of POs;determining that the first PO configured for the wireless device in theDRX cycle is problematic; selecting a second PO configured for thewireless device in the set of POs that is non-problematic based on oneor more criteria, wherein selecting the second PO based on the one ormore criteria comprises: removing the first PO from the set of POsconfigured for the wireless devices; indexing one or more POs remainingin the set of POs configured for the wireless devices after the first POhas been removed; and selecting an indexed PO based on the one or morecriteria; and monitoring for one or more paging messages during thesecond PO.
 2. A wireless device for paging occasion (PO) allocation, thewireless device comprising: processing circuitry configured to: receivesystem information from a network node indicating a set of POsconfigured for wireless devices in a Discontinuous Reception (DRX)cycle; select a first PO configured for the wireless device in the setof POs; determine that the first PO configured for the wireless devicein the DRX cycle is problematic; select a second PO configured for thewireless device in the set of POs that is non-problematic based on oneor more criteria, wherein when selecting the second PO based on the oneor more criteria, the processing circuitry is configured to: remove thefirst PO from the set of POs configured for the wireless devices; indexone or more POs remaining in the set of POs configured for the wirelessdevices after the first PO has been removed; and select an indexed PObased on the one or more criteria; and monitor for one or more pagingmessages during the second PO.
 3. The wireless device of claim 2,wherein when indexing the one or more POs remaining in the set of POsconfigured for the wireless devices after the first PO has been removed,the processing circuitry is configured to: index the one or more POsremaining in the set of POs by index i, wherein i=0, 1, . . . P−1, and Pequals a number of POs remaining after the first PO has been removed. 4.The wireless device of claim 3, wherein when selecting the indexed PObased on the one or more criteria the processing circuitry is configuredto: select an indexed PO that satisfies i=UE_ID mod P, wherein the UE_IDcomprises one of: an International Mobile Subscriber Identity; and a5G-S-Temporary Mobile Subscriber Identity.
 5. The wireless device ofclaim 2, wherein when selecting the second PO based on the one or morecriteria the processing circuitry is configured to select a firstsubsequent non-problematic PO after the first PO.
 6. The wireless deviceof claim 2, wherein when selecting the second PO based on the one ormore criteria the processing circuitry is configured to select a closestpreceding non-problematic PO before the first PO.
 7. The wireless deviceof claim 2, wherein when selecting the second PO based on the one ormore criteria the processing circuitry is configured to: apply a hashingalgorithm to an identifier associated with the wireless device; andselect the second PO based on an output of the hashing algorithm.
 8. Thewireless device of claim 7, wherein the processing circuitry isconfigured to: index one or more non-problematic POs, wherein the outputof the hashing algorithm comprises an index of the second PO.
 9. Thewireless device of claim 2, wherein the PO that is problematic comprisesa PO that is frequency-multiplexed with an SS Burst Set.
 10. Thewireless device of claim 2, wherein the PO that is problematic comprisesa PO that coincides with or partly overlaps with an SS Burst Set. 11.The wireless device of claim 10, wherein the PO that coincides with orpartly overlaps with the SS Burst Set comprises one or more of: a POthat at least partly overlaps with an SS Burst Set in a time domain; aPO that at least partly overlaps in time with a duration the SS BurstSet would have had if all possible SSB beams were utilized; a PO thatdoes not have enough guard time between the PO and a closest SS BurstSet; a PO that does not have enough guard time between the PO and theclosest SS Burst Set if all of the SSB beams were utilized; a PO inwhich at least one Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) monitoringoccasion at least partly overlaps in time with an SSB transmission; a POin which at least one PDCCH monitoring occasion overlaps in time with aslot containing an SSB transmission; a PO in which at least one PDCCHmonitoring occasion is located in the same slot as at least one SSBtransmission; a PO in which at least one PDCCH monitoring occasion islocated in a slot that overlaps in time with a slot containing at leastone SSB transmission; and a PO in which at least one resource elementfor a PDCCH candidate of at least one PDCCH monitoring occasion overlapswith at least one resource element corresponding to an SSB transmission.12. The wireless device of claim 2, further comprising transmittingcapability information to a network node for determining that the POconfigured for the wireless device is problematic.
 13. The wirelessdevice of claim 12, wherein the capability information comprises one ormore of: information indicating that the wireless device is capable ofreceiving a paging transmission frequency-multiplexed with an SSBtransmission; information indicating that the wireless device isincapable of receiving a paging transmission frequency-multiplexed withan SSB transmission; information indicating that the wireless device isbandwidth limited; information indicating that the wireless device isnot bandwidth limited; information indicating that the wireless deviceis capable of receiving transmissions with different subcarrier spacingssimultaneously; information indicating that the wireless device isincapable of receiving transmissions with different subcarrier spacingssimultaneously; and information indicating how long the wireless deviceis capable of maintaining valid synchronization.
 14. The wireless deviceof claim 2, wherein the wireless device is not capable of receiving bothan SSB transmission and a paging transmission simultaneously when theSSB transmission and the paging transmission are frequency-multiplexed.15. The wireless device of claim 2, wherein the one or more criteriacomprise one or more rules for reallocating POs.
 16. A method performedby a base station for paging occasion (PO) allocation, the methodcomprising: transmitting system information to a wireless deviceindicating a set of POs configured for wireless devices in aDiscontinuous Reception (DRX) cycle; selecting a first PO configured forthe wireless device in the set of POs; determining that the first POconfigured for the wireless device in the DRX cycle is problematic;selecting a second PO configured for the wireless device in the set ofPOs that is non-problematic based on one or more criteria, whereinselecting the second PO based on the one or more criteria comprises:removing the first PO from the set of POs configured for the wirelessdevices; indexing one or more POs remaining in the set of POs configuredfor the wireless devices after the first PO has been removed; andselecting an indexed PO based on the one or more criteria; andtransmitting a paging message for the wireless device in the DRX cycleduring the second PO.
 17. A base station for paging occasion (PO)allocation, the base station comprising: processing circuitry configuredto: transmit system information to a wireless device indicating a set ofPOs configured for wireless devices in a Discontinuous Reception (DRX)cycle; select a first PO configured for the wireless device in the setof POs; determine that the first PO configured for a wireless device inthe DRX cycle is problematic; select a second PO configured for thewireless device in the set of POs that is non-problematic based on oneor more criteria, wherein when selecting the second PO based on the oneor more criteria, the processing circuitry is configured to: remove thefirst PO from the set of POs configured for the wireless devices; indexone or more POs remaining in the set of POs configured for the wirelessdevices after the first PO has been removed; and select an indexed PObased on the one or more criteria; and transmit a paging message for thewireless device in the DRX cycle during the second PO.